Johnston School Board Mulls 2012-13 School Start Date Tonight

Parents and students should have a better idea of how long their summer vacation will last after a public meeting tonight on the proposed 2012-13 school calendar.

In January, the  asked school officials to concentrate on creating a 2012-13 school calendar with an .

The decision was a change of course from an original recommendation to start the school year on Aug. 13. The proposed start date drew in the district.

The district began the 2011-12 school year on Aug. 15, a decision driven by the desire to have finals before winter break.

The public is invited to share comments, concerns and questions at the public hearing.

Other agenda items include:

• The receipt of a $95,613.64 donation from Prairie Meadows.

• Discussion of the site visit report.

• Discussion and approval of the 2012-13 school year staffing requests.

• A discussion on increasing fees for the 2012-13 school year. Recommendations include a $5 increase for first through fifth grades, making the fee $55. A $5 increase for kindergarten fees for the fiscal year 2014 school year. The kindergarten fees are set a year in advance.

• A discussion of increases to the school nutrition plan. The proposed increase is 10 cents.

• The Johnston school board meets at 6 p.m. at the Administrative Resource Center.