In response to public input and staff concerns, we are proposing changes to the 2012-2013 calendars for KIBSD schools. We have published TWO DRAFTS for Town Schools and would ask that you look at it carefully and respond with any feedback as soon as possible. This will be a topic on the Board agenda on Monday, May 21.
The impetus for this proposed change comes from several directions. First, there is an ever increasing need for professional development opportunities for our instructional and instructional support staff, e.g. Introduction of new standards, changing grading practices, curricular changes, etc. etc. etc. Second, there is recognition that it is difficult for students, teachers, and families to have frequent substitute teachers in our classrooms. Those two points add together to put a focus on instructional practice and the improvement of instructional practice, which supports us in meeting the mission of KIBSD. Third on the list of considerations is any budgetary savings that may (or may not) be achieved through having fewer subs and less meeting outside of the contract day.
On both DRAFT calendars, there are adjustments to augment professional development time. These changes are the same in both verstions. Pertinent points for your consideration include:
There is NO CHANGE to the beginning of school dates or August inservice plans.
There is NO CHANGE to the October Inservice plan for either town or rural schools.
Town wide professional development days have been added on September 17 and on November 12 (Veterans Day).
District wide professional development days have been added on January 21 (MLK Day), February 18 (Presidents Day) and April 15. Rural schools will participate virtually in these opportunities.
For rural schools, KMS, and KHS, Parent Conferences are the same as previously proposed.
For town elementary schools, the evening conference times will remain the same. We are suggesting that on November 19 –20 and on March 6-7 the elementary schools should run minimum day schedules and alllot the remainder of the time for conferencing. If this is not sufficient to meet the needs, an additional day of minimum schedule might be added. Goal setting conferences would be as they have been in the past. (Minimum day us defined by the state as 4 hours for grades K-3 and 5 hours for grades 4-12, exclusive of any lunch, recess, or passing times.)
This calendar provides 9 professional development days. According to state statute, 10 days are allowable. However, the proposal meets all requirements of law and CBA (I.e. 170 student contact days, 3 work days, 5 holidays,), recognizing 2 parent conference days, and meeting the total contract days of 189.
Additionally, in response to concerns raised regarding both the Winter Break and the end of school dates, there are TWO drafts.
In DRAFT ONE:
There has been an adjustment to the town schools winter break schedule. December 21 is now a vacation day. Classes resume on January 3.
For town schools, the final workday/last day of contract has been adjusted to May 24.
There is no change to any rural school calendar regarding these dates.
In DRAFT TWO, the calendar is as currently adopted:
Town schools' Winter Break is from December 24-January 7.
The final workday/last day of contract is on Tuesday, May 28.
There is no change to any rural school calendar regarding these dates.