SAD 1 looks at calendar to help close financial gap
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Facing its greatest financial challenge ever, SAD 1 officials are looking for ways to significantly reduce the 2010-11 budget. One idea to be discussed at next Wednesday’s board meeting includes putting all students on the same academic calendar.
“SAD 1 has never faced a financial problem anywhere close to the $1.2 million deficit that we are now looking at for next year,” said Superintendent Gehrig Johnson. “We can save $62,000 by going to one busing schedule for all students.
“It was my intention that the single schedule continue to include a harvest recess,” he said, “but we are interested in input from all sides of the issue.”
Johnson said when the first draft of the proposed pre-K-12 common calendar was announced, it reflected the traditional three-week harvest recess.
“Based on input and reaction we received from staff and community members, which included keeping the full harvest and eliminating it altogether, we decided to compromise,” he said. “We’re now recommending having a two-week harvest recess instead of the traditional three-week break.”
The split recess was put into effect in 1987. Previously the district was on one schedule (the current secondary schedule).
“At that time,” Johnson said, “child labor laws were changed so that younger students were no longer able to work during the harvest.”
Farmers will still be able to employ students for three weeks, however.
“Right now, we allow them a week of excused absences which the staff is completely aware of,” said Johnson. “They’re allowed to be gone either a week before the scheduled break or a week after depending on the year, and they can totally make up their work.”
Among the highlights of the proposed 2010-11 common calendar include:
• Grades 9-12 receive 10-plus weeks of 2010 summer vacation.
• Grades pre-K-8 receive 11-plus weeks of 2010 summer vacation.
• Pre-K-8 commences one school day earlier than the 2009-10 calendar.
• Pre-K-8 will stay in school five days longer than the 2009-10 calendar.
• Three student days during the week of Thanksgiving.
• Teacher in-service days reconfigured for less impact on student calendar when possible.
• Pre-K-12 recess would be Sept. 23-Oct. 11, 2010.
“We’ve got a big problem here,” said Johnson, “which is going to involve reductions to every department and the elimination of some programs. We cannot absorb a $760,000 decrease in state aid without significant reductions in programs and personnel.
“If we can save $62,000 by going to one busing schedule for all students,” he said, “it’s something we have to seriously look at.”
Anyone who would like to post comments and concerns on the district’s Web site is encouraged to log onto www.sad1.org and find the calendar link on the home page. The issue will be discussed at the next SAD 1 board meeting, which will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24 at Pine Street Elementary School.
