Board of Ed Approves Adjustments to Calendar After Slew of Snow Days

First, there was the tropical storm in the summer. Then, there was the rare snowstorm in the fall.

Because of these two acts of Mother Nature, Region 14 Superintendent Jody Goeler recommended adjusting the school calendar at the Monday, Dec. 5, Board of Education meeting.

The board approved the changes, 7-1. Gary Suslavich cast the nay vote. He felt the parents of graduating seniors should be polled on their preference and expressed concern about when graduation day will occur.

If the calendar has to change again and classes are scheduled during the last week of June, then the only available day for graduation is Saturday, June 30. Suslavich was not in favor of that date.

He acknowledged that June 30 as a graduation date does not work for his family and, he said, likely does not work for other families too.

"There's a personal reason why I'm pushing it," he said, "but I don't think I'll be alone."

Currently, the last scheduled day for students will be Tuesday, June 19, 2012.

April Vacation

For now, April vacation has been preserved, as have the federal holidays of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents Day, said Goeler in the letter.

"With three remaining days in the week of June 18 to fall back on as snow days, we will plan to graduate our seniors on Saturday, June 23, 2012," he said. "However, please understand that excessive storm closings this winter may require further adjustments to the school calendar. If that occurs, you will be informed of additional changes as soon as possible."

Changes to the Calendar

The following changes were approved, according to a Tuesday, Dec. 6, letter to parents from Goeler.

• All Region 14 schools will be in session for a full day on Thursday, December 22.

• The following day, Friday, December 23, will be a modified day for students and staff.

•   Students and staff will report for school on Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

• March 19, 2012 is now a modified day for students and staff will participate in professional development that afternoon.

Goeler said he appreciates the community's understanding of the difficult situation school districts face this year in meeting the required number of school days for students.

"Regional School District 14 requires students to attend school for 181 days each school year, and these calendar adjustments allow that number to be achieved," he said.

Goeler said that any additional questions parents have may be directed to their school principal.

How do you feel about the changes? Tell us in the comments.