#ICYMI: DeKalb Schools are open on Election Day

Empty classroom (stock photo).

Credit: Steve Williams Photo

Credit: Steve Williams Photo

Empty classroom (stock photo).

School is in session for DeKalb County School District students, who typically are off for Election Day.

District officials announced in September that students would attend school today to make up for classes missed when the storm known as Irma twisted through Georgia, downing power lines and trees, leaving millions without power. DeKalb Schools closed four days in response, from Sept. 11 to Sept. 14.  DeKalb County declared a state of emergency, so school days did not have to be made up.

District officials initially announced the district would open schools on Election Day and extend the school day by 20 minutes through Dec. 20. That was then limited to October, saying input from parent groups, and staff would help determine the course of action after concerns over the extended day arose. After the external input, where many voted to shorten the Thanksgiving or winter break by one day, district officials again decided to extend the school day in November by 20 minutes.