ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) – The cold and snowy winter weather has been challenging for local school districts, with several already exceeding the total number of snow days allowed by the state.
“This year has been especially difficult,” Allendale Public Schools Superintendent Garth Cooper said. “The roads got icy and the temperatures stayed so low that the salt couldn’t remove them so the snow was steady, the temperatures were low, and it just added to really bad conditions for a long time.”
Allendale High School on January 28, 2026.
The district had seven days of snow, plus one cancellation due to a bomb threat.
“Six is the number where they don’t really ask any questions,” Cooper said.
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Allendale is not alone when it comes to snow days. Many West Michigan districts have already surpassed the magic number of six.
It would be easy if the kids were in charge, but making the snow day call can be a tough decision for administrators. Superintendents like Cooper look at the roads and what’s in the forecast.
“I’m on a text thread with all the other superintendents in Ottawa County. I’m having communication with my director of transportation. I’m talking to the principal of the Christian School to get his input as well. And then I’ll go out and check the conditions for myself,” said Cooper.
There is a process that allows districts to request a waiver from the Michigan Department of Education for a maximum of nine days off. Coopersville Area Public Schools and Grand Haven Area Public Schools say are applying for that waiver.
If a district goes beyond the nine days, the Legislature will have to act or the district will have to change the schedule to make up for the time.
“There are ways you can add some minutes and maybe add some days without extending the school year into June,” Cooper said.
West Michigan superintendents know winter is far from over and additional days may be needed.
“We had snow days in March. You just don’t know. We were told this was going to be a challenging winter,” said Cooper.
Allendale says there is still time to ask for additional days. The superintendent plans to make a decision later on whether or not he will need a waiver.
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