SRVEA President Ann Katzburg stated that SRVEA members are attending the meeting to be seen. They are working tirelessly for the District and the students. Ms. Katzburg stated that they are partners with the District and did not ask for a salary increase when times were lean. Ms. Katzburg is seeing a loss of spirit and feels that without recognition their members will burn out.

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Keith Rogenski and Director of Communications and Community Relations Elizabeth Graswich asked the Board to take action on the proposed 2016-17 instructional calendar. Ms. Graswich reviewed the process that lead to the decision to propose a change to the calendar. Mr. Rogenski reviewed the time line and the recommendation …show more content…
It would allow for a true winter break and give AP teachers additional time to prepare for AP testing. Ms. Cranford feels that the calendar change will reduce stress for students. Ms. Cranford also shared that she supports the calendar change as a soon-to-be mother in the district.

Lisa Gross, parent of two elementary school students stated she supports the proposed instructional calendar change. She believes the change is best for the children of the community, and thanked the board for the thorough transparent and inclusive process.

Marilyn Lucey voiced her support of the proposed instructional calendar change. She has talked with parents in the community that support and oppose the change and after hearing the concerns of the community continues to support the change. Ms. Lucey offered the following feedback from the community. If the objective is to lesson stress and on students and refocus the community to value learning above grade point average we need to rethink publically displaying where graduating seniors will be attending college, the 4.0 luncheon, the top 10% student certificates and allowing students to start a club just for their college application. All of the above set students up for comparison and puts the value on achievements rather than the whole …show more content…
He found it gratifying to see the number of people that stepped forward to provide input and show they care. Mr. Mintz stated that this is an academic community and with that comes stress. As a Board, their job is to help manage stress and to prepare our students for their lives now and in the future.

Board Vice President Jewett stated that through this process he has come to the conclusion that he is giving his children and the students of this community a gift of a stress free winter break.

Board President Marvel stated that our District needs a calendar that reflects the needs of the 21st century. He feels that the proposed calendar change is the best strike of balance for our students, and that the vast majority of stakeholders are supportive of the change.

On a motion by Rachel Hurd, seconded by Mark Jewett, the Board voted to approve the 2016/17 instructional calendar (5-0)

The meeting was adjourned at