You could say that making up days missed by inclement weather this spring has been problematic. You’d also be understating the issue. A bit.
School board members heard recommendations from staff on inclement weather make-up days for the 2015-2016 school calendars (traditional, year-round, and modified). Staff presented options that included use of early release days, banked instructional time, teacher workdays, and Saturdays.
Supt. Merrill shared that parents prefer the district use early release days and banked instructional hours first to make up any missed time. However, board member Tom Benton shared that principals have asked that early release days not be considered early in the process. Principals note that those days represent the rare times during a school year that can be used for full-staff professional development. Finally, board member Bill Fletcher preferred that banked instructional hours not be used at all.
For the 2015-2016 school year, calendars will feature a list of make-up dates in order of utilization. Supt. Merrill noted that the goal is to make the process as clear as possible by providing a make-up date at the same time school is cancelled.
The school board will vote to approve the list of make-up dates on May 5.
