South Windsor BOE Seeks Input on Academic Calendar

South Windsor Board of Education members are looking for parents’ feedback regarding the proposed changes to the 2014-15 academic calendar.

“Maybe it would inform some of our thinking and make us a little more passionate about these changes, or not,” said David S. Joy, chairman of the board.

The proposal, which was met by board members Tuesday with mixed reaction, outlines a shortened February break, a rescheduled April vacation and two additional emergency closing days.

Daniel S. Hansen, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, explained the rationale behind the proposal:

“Throughout our research of not only DRG towns, but our surrounding towns, we have noticed that 13 of the 21 DRG schools, as well as four of the five surrounding towns, have scheduled a shortened February break for next year, 2013-14 and we would anticipate that they would be doing the same for 2014-15,” he said.

In regards to April break, nine surrounding schools/towns have chosen the April 13-17 as the April vacation, he said, adding that mirroring other district’s schedules has the potential to be more “family-friendly” for those with children in different area schools.

Adding two emergency closing days would then allow for seven emergency closing days to occur before eliminating days from the April vacation, Hansen said.

Secretary of the board Carol Driscoll, however, pointed out that designating the third week of April for vacation has been consistent and something families have “come to expect,” while Board member Sheila Appleton said she was concerned that upper classmen would not have enough time to visit potential colleges during a shortened February break.

Joy reminded the board as well as the public that it was only an initial discussion and changes to the proposal could be made.

“I’m ambivalent about much of it,” Joy said. “I can see both sides of it.”

The board will pick up the discussion again on Tuesday, May 28. 

Residents are encouraged to contact the board with their thoughts online.