An unusual number of unscheduled cancellations due to winter weather this year has prompted officials in the Jackson School District to allow for more snow days next year.

At its meeting Tuesday night, the Jackson School Board approved the calendar for the 2003-2004 school year.

Unlike this year's calendar, which had no snow make-up days built in, next year's has four days designated for make-up: March 19 and April 5, 6 and 7.

The district has missed eight days due to winter weather so far this year, the most superintendent Dr. Ron Anderson has seen in his career.

"This year has been very unusual," Anderson said. "Hopefully, we'll be out of the woods soon."

The first day of school for next year is scheduled for Aug. 14. May 21 is tentatively scheduled as the last day for students.

Other items approved at the board meeting:

Bids for the purchase of three new school buses from Central States.

A bid for the purchase of heating and air conditioning units at West Lane Elementary from Crescent Parts and Equipment Co. Inc.

A bid for a new roof at Jackson High School and R.O. Hawkins Junior High School from Mangrum Roofing.