When the announcement came that schools would be closed for the “rest of the school year”, many thought that meant the end of the school calendar for each school. That’s not so, as stated by State School Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick when responding to comments heard about summer school plans and weight rooms planning to open in May.
She answered a question from an educator during a Tuesday morning webinar with school leaders, available on YouTube, who asked about the June 30 date. She said the state’s School Year is from July 1 to June 30 so school facilities and buildings will stay closed through that date.
“The Executive Order from the governor mentions the June 30 date, so end of the school year means June 30,” said McCormick. June 30 is traditionally how the school year is defined in Indiana. Although your calendar year may look different, as a state, our school year is June 30.”
The Governor’s Executive Order 20-16 simply states that “schools shall provide instruction via remote learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year (School Year).” Indiana Code 20-18-2-17 defines (School Year) as the period beginning after June 30 of each year and ending before July 1 of the following year except for when a different period is specified for a particular purpose.
In response to the clarification given by Dr. McCormick Tuesday morning, John Glenn School Superintendent Christopher Winchell sent out a notice to parents and students that the school closure is through June 30 and adjusted information accordingly.
Winchell noted that the school meal program will continue through Friday, June 26 with the same days, times and pick-up locations. Meals will not be available from June 29 to July 10.
Students and teachers waiting to retrieve items from lockers and classrooms will get their items when the state allows schools to open. If it’s an emergency, call the school for additional guidance.
Additionally, summer school may be delivered online, but that decision hasn’t been officially made. School officials will discuss July activities when direction comes from Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Education. Winchell said that a team is working toward hosting a graduation service to celebrate the graduates in person, and planning will continue as the school receives more guidance from the governor and the Department of Education.
