Gainesville B.O.E. decides on snow make-up days

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville School Board members Friday decided how the system would make up the missed days from the snow and ice storm of January 10th during a called session at the central office.

They chose Option Six, a blend of several options from a parent/staff survey.School principals at the meeting agreed it was the best option.

Supt. Merrianne Dyer recommended Option Six because it adds 10 minutes of instruction onto the regular school day beginning February 7th until May 24th.

"Instructional time will be increased for students during the regular operating hours that we have," Dr. Dyer said. "This will be done by starting classes earlier, shortening planning periods and in the case of the high school, lunch, so that we have more academic core content time."

Dyer said Option Six would make up instructional time for students but would not make up instructional time for staff. They are re-arranging their work day. The option provides an extra one and a half days for students. Faculty and staff would add four more days from May 25th through May 31st.

Winter, however, is far from over and Board Member Sammy Smith raised the question about how to prepare for more days out because of severe weather.

"We'll address this officially at our February 7th board meeting about the issue of more snow," Dr. Dyer said. "What I will recommend to the Board is that we adopt a plan of each school setting their staff make-up days on Saturdays, selected Saturdays. They would sign up for a Saturday or after May 31st to be available to students for additional help."

After May 31st Dyer said staff would be available to students for additional help so that leading up to state testing, teachers and staff could help with tutoring on a voluntary basis.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/1/235706