Not one, but two calendars to follow

The Oconee public schools will have two calendars to keep track of next year. Not all of the county trustees are on board. In a 3 to 2 vote, the trustees approved the administration recommendation to start elementary classes next year on August 17. Middle and high school students are to report one week earlier—Monday, August 10. Dr. Michael Thorsland, district superintendent, says he has no doubt that that for three specific academic reasons, it’s better for children’s education to have the middle and high schools on an early start. District Two trustee Joe Rukat is worried that some middle and high schoolers won’t report the first week because they’ll stay at home to care for their elementary siblings. District Three trustee Sandra Sloan cast the other no vote. However, District Five trustee Buddy Herring, a retired superintendent, was supportive. Herring said he’s hopeful Oconee’s action will set a precedent statewide. Trustees on both sides of the issue agree that the choice of when a county starts its school year should be taken away from the state board and left to local boards. There will be a financial impact for running two calendars. Administration envisions an additional $20 thousand payment to the fleet of bus drivers, some of whom will be required to work an additional five days.