Flooding

The Department is committed to assisting local school districts during flood emergency recovery efforts. Sections 160.041.2 and 171.033.4, RSMo, allows for the commissioner of education to grant a waiver to excuse school districts from the minimum school calendar requirement in these extreme cases. Waiver requests from school districts should be addressed to Commissioner Vandeven and may be sent hard copy to P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 or may be emailed to Deputy Commissioner Roger Dorson.

If you intend to submit a request, please include the following information:

1. The number of days and hours you are requesting
2. The total number of days and hours that will have been/be completed if the request is granted
3. Why the district cannot meet the minimum school calendar requirement, e.g., facility damage, long-term road/bridge closures, summer school schedule
4. Status of MAP test administration

Administrators are the greatest resource within local districts to maintain the integrity of the school calendar to meet the educational needs of their students, and the Department supports them in their decisions to keep student and staff safety the top priority. Specific questions regarding flood emergency response from the Department may be directed to communications@dese.mo.gov.