In case of emergency, cancel holidays.

During its Monday night board meeting, the D99 board gave the district the power to do just that, unanimously approving a motion that would allow five different school holidays to be used as attendance days throughout the course of a school year.

In rare instances, students could find themselves in class on Martin Luther King's Birthday, Abraham Lincoln's Birthday, Casimir Pulaski Day, Columbus Day and Veterans' Day going forward. Occasionally, in the past, Casimir Pulaski Day has been used as an attendance day to make up for snow days or other calendar imbalances.

District Superintendent Mark McDonald said there's no intent to use the holidays as attendance days, but by applying for a waiver with the state, it gives the district flexibility if needed.

"I could only see us using those [holidays] in the event of a crisis or something really terrible that shortens the school year," McDonald said. "It's a flexibility issue."

To comply with state requirements, a public hearing was conducted on the matter Monday night, with only only member of the public offering any feedback.

"I think it's a fantastic idea for the board to have that flexibility," the community member said. "It's a great idea that shows foresight."