BFTSP

A perfect storm, but not a perfect calendar…..

There are two calendars that were discussed at the Board Meeting. I made a motion to accept the DEIC-recommended calendar.  The motion was seconded by Jay Grable.  After discussion, I was not sure that there were enough votes to approve it.  One board member, Ron Damian wanted more time to study the calendar, so I agreed to table the motion until the next meeting.  The motion was tabled. 

In the presentation made by Sharyn Sharp as DEIC spokesperson, she talked about the process of developing the calendar.  It is a difficult task.  There are parameters that must be incorporated; as well as a changing calendar that must be considered. Then calendar issues were prioritized by the committee.  The first priority was 2 weeks off for Christmas/Winter break.  The last of the priorities was getting out in May.  All of the priorities were honored with this calendar except that the last day of school was in June.  The students would be out of school at early dismissal on June 2 and the staff would be out on Friday, June 3.  This is with  Memorial Day as a holiday taken by all on Monday.

 The “ending in May” calendar would have the teachers coming in two days earlier in August and no comp days during the year.  For those who complete staff development in the summer, I am not sure what that means.  There would be no Martin Luther King Day nor President’s Day holiday in the spring semester.  These are both national holidays and the MLK celebration has grown and is well attended  by the community.   These are the two major issues as I see it with this calendar.  With the state guidelines on when school can start, ending in June is a reality for Texas. 

 I know that there are no perfect calendars.  I have lived my whole life on a school district calendar and I have seen it all…semester ending before Christmas break, semester ending after Christmas Break, Thanksgiving break starting on Wednesday at noon, no spring break, weeklong Easter breaks, Fall breaks, there are so many permutations possible.  However, with the state guidelines and the large number of custody/visitation issues, the calendar is a controversial topic every year.  I respect BISD’s effort to have the DEIC committee (made up of teachers, administrators and community members) recommend a calendar.  As I said there are no perfect calendars so in the spirit of involvement of stakeholders and the democratic process,  I believe it is a good calendar.  I support the DEIC-recommended calendar.

 I welcome your input here or feel free to call me or email me with your viewpoint.

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1. A perfect storm, but not a perfect calendar…..