Only four of West Virginia's 55 county school systems met the state-required 180 days of instructional time during the 2007-2008 school year.

Greenbrier County Superintendent John Curry says a typical winter makes it impossible to meet the requirement. He says when there's eight inches of snow, he has no choice but to cancel classes.

Greenbrier County had 171 instructional days last year. That ties with Nicholas, Pocahontas and Doddridge counties as the state's lowest. The state average was 176.3 instructional days.

Only Boone, Kanawha, Lincoln and Putnam counties met the requirement.

State law prohibits schools from starting before August 26 and ending after June 8.

Spokeswoman Allison Barker says the state Board of Education has supported expanding that calendar in the past but she knows of no discussion this year.