"WNY Schools Benefit from NYS Emergency Declaration as Lake-Effect Snow Piles Up"

Several school districts in Western New York, including Buffalo Public Schools and West Seneca, have been closed for a fifth consecutive day due to heavy snowfall. With concerns about the impact on the academic year, it's been revealed that New York State law allows relief from the 180-day rule when schools close under a governor's state of emergency declaration, which is currently in effect until February 11. This provision provides some relief for districts facing multiple snow days and ensures that decisions to close schools are made with safety as the top priority.