The Knox Community School Board started a discussion with the Teacher’s Union last year to try and offer more Professional Development for the teachers during the school year. The State requires that schools be in session for 180 days which doesn’t allow much extra time for Professional Development opportunities without conflicting with contract terms. Superintendent A.J. Gappa says that some neighboring schools had a plan that the Knox Schools will implement this school year.
“They would add a couple of days of Professional Development to their calendar each year and the trade off was that they would dismiss school 30 minutes early on Fridays,” said Gappa.
The Corporation does have enough time built into the daily schedule to meet the State requirements and allow this adjustment.
Mr. Gappa explains what type of Professional Development would be offered for that time collected.
“Because of the implementation of the one-to-one computer program this year at the Middle School and High School, we thought that we definitely needed more time for training for the teachers. Also, because of the restrictions put on us by the State two or three years ago, we lost time for parent/teacher conferences. The people at the Elementary School will be able to add some parent/teacher conference time into the calendar that’s already been adopted.”
Mr. Gappa hopes that the amended Friday schedule will work out for everyone.
“According to Superintendents at the other school districts who have a similar schedule, it’s a win-win for the students, teachers and community members. Everybody has enjoyed the way that it has worked for them so we’re going to give it a try this year.”
School starting/ending times:
Knox Elementary School, Grades K-5 : 7:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. CT
Knox Middle School, Grades 6-8: 7:35 a.m. to 2:42 p.m. CT
Knox High School, Grades 9-12: 8:00 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. CT
*30 minute early dismissals every Friday. Subtract 30 minutes from the end times listed.
