Wake County Schools Considers Expanding Remote Learning During Weather Closures
Discussion comes as other NC school districts, including Durham (DPS) and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS), have already adopted remote learning days as an alternative to cancellations.
Holly Springs, NC, Feb. 26, 2025 — As Wake County parents and educators navigate another season of unpredictable weather, the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) Policy Committee is considering expanding remote learning to reduce disruptions caused by school closures.
During its February 25 meeting, the committee debated whether the superintendent should have more flexibility in implementing remote learning days rather than waiting until all other options—such as teacher workdays and banked hours—are exhausted.
The discussion comes as other North Carolina school districts, including Durham Public Schools (DPS) and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS), have already adopted remote learning days as an alternative to cancellations.
How Other NC Districts Are Handling Remote Learning
Unlike WCPSS, which has so far opted to cancel school entirely on inclement weather days, DPS and CHCCS have actively used remote learning to avoid instructional gaps.
Durham Public Schools (DPS) implemented remote learning during hazardous weather in February 2025. For example, on Friday, February 21, DPS operated remotely rather than canceling school, allowing students to continue learning despite unsafe travel conditions.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) has consistently used remote learning in emergencies, leveraging North Carolina's state policy that allows up to five remote instruction days per year for weather-related closures.
By utilizing these remote learning days, both districts have minimized the need for makeup days and prevented disruptions to student learning.
These examples highlight how other school systems adapt to modern instructional challenges by integrating virtual learning into emergency response plans.
Concerns and Questions Raised in WCPSS
While there was broad recognition that remote learning could be helpful, committee members expressed several key concerns.
Effectiveness across grade levels. Middle and high school students using district-issued Chromebooks may transition to remote learning more quickly than younger students, who require more hands-on instruction.
Equity and accessibility. Some students lack reliable internet access or adequate devices at home, raising concerns about fairness in implementing remote learning districtwide.
Instructional expectations. Would remote learning days require live instruction, or would students be given independent assignments? The structure of these days remains a significant consideration.
Attendance and accountability. Unlike in-person makeup days, tracking student engagement and participation in remote learning poses unique challenges.
Committee members also reflected on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, where many students struggled with engagement and retention in virtual settings.
Next Steps: Research and Future Discussions
The committee made no immediate decisions but agreed that further discussion and research are needed. As part of the following steps, WCPSS staff will:
Review how other North Carolina districts, including DPS and CHCCS, structure their remote learning plans.
Assess potential gaps in technology access for WCPSS students.
Examine logistical feasibility and implementation challenges.
Present findings and recommendations at a future policy committee or work session meeting.
No changes have been made to the current policy, meaning WCPSS will continue using banked hours and teacher workdays before considering remote learning. However, the committee’s discussion signals that policy adjustments may be on the horizon as the district seeks to align with best practices from other NC school systems.
What This Means for Wake County Families
If WCPSS moves forward with an updated policy, parents and students may see:
Fewer rescheduled school days due to inclement weather.
The possibility of last-minute remote learning days requiring families to be prepared for at-home instruction.
Changes in how teachers deliver remote lessons, depending on grade level and technological access.
As the conversation continues, families are encouraged to stay informed and provide input on the district’s approach to weather-related closures.
Here is the contact information for the Wake County School Board members representing Holly Springs:
District 5: Lynn Edmonds
Email: ledmonds2@wcpss.net
Phone: (984) 464-0597
District 8: Lindsay Mahaffey
Email: lmahaffey@wcpss.net
Phone: (919) 335-3648