WEST FORK — A number of Arkansas schools say they will ask the state Department of Education to let them shorten their school year because they've had so many snow days.
West Fork students have missed 17 days of school this year because of snow and ice, while those in Elkins, Gentry and Lincoln have missed 15.
The state requires that schools be in session for 178 days. Once they miss more than 10, and take steps to make up many of them, the state can cut them a break.
Arkansas has had 13 bouts of snow or ice since November.
At Yellville-Summit, which has lost 11 days of school this year, the panel that would discuss a waiver hasn't been able to get together for a meeting — because of the weather.