BY KARISSA MILLER
The Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education got its first look at two proposed calendars for the 2022-2023 school year on Monday.
During the Committee of the Whole meeting, I-SS Director of Accountability, Testing and Student Information Laura Elliot presented drafts of Option A and Option B for traditional K-12 schools.
Option A
Under Option A, the school year would begin August 10, 2022, and end on May 26, 2023, for a total of 182 student days. The first semester would end prior to the winter break.
Option A aligns with Mooresville Graded School District, the early college high schools and Mitchell Community College, Elliot said.
However, Option A isn’t currently permitted under North Carolina law.
The district’s school calendar committee created Option A because the board requested it, Elliot said.
View the draft Option A Calendar HERE.
Option B
Under Option B, the school year would begin on August 29, 2022, and end on June 9, 2023, for a total of 180 student days.
The first semester would end after the winter break in mid-January.
Option B follows the state’s existing school calendar laws.
View the draft Option B Calendar HERE.
Currently, North Carolina laws mandate specific time frames when school should start and end. The board has requested that the General Assembly allow local boards of education the authority to set their own school calendars.
I-SS officials have argued that existing law forces students to take their final exams after winter break and causes misalignment for early college high school students.
Board members expressed frustration Monday that they will have to vote for Option B when A is the better options for students.
Vice Chairman Todd Carver pointed out that the state law puts the board in a difficult situation.
“Do we follow the state law or do we put it aside and do what’s best for our students?” he asked.
Board member Bill Howell said he cannot vote for Option A.
“I cannot break the law. I would be hypocritical if I did and so I’m going to have to stick with B,” Howell said.
Early College Calendar
• Early Colleges will begin on August 8, 2022, and end on May 22, 2023, for a total of 180 student days. View the draft Early College Calendar HERE.
N.B. Mills Elementary School calendar
• NB Mills Elementary School will begin their Innovated Calendar on August 2, 2022, and end of June 23, 2023, for a total of 180 student days. View the draft N.B. Mills Calendar HERE.
Next Meeting
The board will vote on adopting the school calendars at the December 13 regular meeting at 6 p.m. The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place at Career Academy and Technical School, 350 Old Murdock Road in Troutman.
If you can only vote for one, why even vote? Go with “A” and see what the state does. Common Sense should dictate a change…fight for it…and if they threaten the county with loss of funding…go with “B.”
How about year around school to help the kids with the big GAP in the Summer? Some schools are doing that in S.C.
That is best.
Option A
Please let us have option A!!! So much better for the kids and families!!
Option A is the only sensible choice. It aligns the school calendar to Mitchell plus allows the students to complete their finals before the holiday break. Taking a final right after a 2 week break isn’t good for anyone.
What do we have to lose? Stand up. Get up out of the chairs that you were elected to sit in and make a decision that makes a difference for our students and not state legislators. Start today and make a difference. Your tombstone needs to say that you did something that mattered and not kowtow to state political concerns.
Option A
Option A
Bill Howell: Do you ever speed? Be honest! That is breaking the law ..
Go figure. The party of “Rule of Law” is all about breaking the law if it furthers their own self interest..
Option B. With Option A it is harder to align for summer camps offered in the state. Not to mention Option B isn’t legal.
Option A
We had Option A in the past and “broke the law” and I don’t believe there were any repercussions. Option A is better for the students to take exams before the long holiday break. Stand up for our students and choose Option A. Fight for our kids.