District extends school year

Philadelphia public school students will be sitting in classes for an extra day in June, officials said Friday.

The final day of school is now June 18 for students and June 19 for staff, Philadelphia School District spokesman Fernando Gallard said. That's one day later than initially scheduled.

Snow closed schools three times this winter. Officials made the call to keep spring break in tact and add time in June, Gallard said.

The district will apply for a waiver from the state for the remaining two days.

Students and staff will also have an extra day off in September thanks to the planned visit of Pope Francis. Officials planning the pope's visit, including city officials, suggested the closure.

"The decision was made given the possibility of a lot of disruption because of street closures," Gallard said.