The state Department of Education has issued waivers for making up some snow days in four school districts: Canon-McMillan, East Allegheny, Penn-Trafford and Philadelphia.

More than 40 other school districts have inquired about waivers due to the severe weather, but figures were not available on how many filed formal applications.

Ebony Pugh, spokeswoman for Pittsburgh Public Schools, said Pittsburgh did not file a request for a weather-related waiver but instead sought Act 80 exceptions for five professional development days, which were granted. She said the district intends to seek an exception for a sixth day.

The granted exceptions enable the district to count five professional development days -- when teachers but not students were required to be present -- as instructional days.

Because the exceptions were granted for professional development days, students will not have to make up five of the days missed because of snow. Three of the professional development days took place in August or September; the other two are scheduled for June.

State law requires public schools to provide at least 180 days of instruction unless an exception is made by the state.

The department usually does not grant school-closing waivers in the case of snow unless there is an accompanying event, such as a power failure. However, Ms. Harris said, "Because of the amount of snow that hit Pennsylvania in the short amount of time, this year we are modifying our exceptions."

In the four cases, she said the department considered a variety of factors, including school days completed, makeup days scheduled, vacation days and graduation dates.

"They had to prove that it was very difficult to have school because of the conditions," she said.

Canon-McMillan was approved for three days, and East Allegheny, Penn-Trafford and Philadelphia were each approved for two days.

Of the four, only Canon-McMillan received the number of days requested. East Allegheny asked for five, and Penn-Trafford and Philadelphia each asked for three.

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