The Oregon-Davis School Board is weighing school calendar options for the 2017-18 academic year. Superintendent Dr. Don Harman has suggested they consider starting classes a week later to accommodate 4-H participants. He’s also proposed a shorter fall break, as that’s when sophomores take the PSAT. Spring break would also be reduced from two weeks to one under the proposal because of ISTEP and other high-stakes assessments.
Harman says the board is reviewing numerous calendar options, including the continuation of the modified balanced calendar that’s currently in use. No timeline has been set for adopting a formal plan for the next school year.
Harman also asked the board to consider starting the school day later. He cites research that indicates a later start time leads to better health and improved learning for students. Additionally, Harman says O-D is adjacent to St. Joseph and Marshall Counties, both of which are in the Eastern time zone.
Board members considered both suggestions during a Monday night work session. Harman says formal decisions will be made at an upcoming school board meeting, but no timeline has been set.
