Saturday classes planned in Decatur

DECATUR -- In an effort to avoid ending the 2013-14 school year on Memorial Day, a proposal was drafted recommending the last day of school be May 23.

The Personnel Policy Committee looked at making up one of the snow days on Saturday, April 26, instead of May 26. The committee agreed that changing these dates would be in the best interest of the students and staff. They sent their recommendation to the faculty and staff of the Decatur school system for a vote. School personnel reviewed and recommended the proposal be sent to the school board for review.

In a special meeting held March 27, a quorum of Decatur school board members gathered to discuss the PPC recommendation. School superintendent Larry Ben presented the proposal and, after a brief discussion, the board voted to accept the calender change. The proposal went back to the faculty and staff March 28, and the measure received final approval.

In a memo to the staff of the Decatur School District, Ben reflected on the effects this change will have on the students and faculty alike.

"The advantages to this change include not having to work on Memorial Day, not interrupting the semester tests at the High School, having the last day of school better attended for housekeeping activities and allowing students and their families the freedom to begin summer schedules, including Memorial Day," Ben wrote.

Both Northside Elementary and Decatur High School will attend classes on Saturday, April 26, during normal school hours.

The last calendar day for the 2013-14 school year will be on May 23 instead of May 26, provided that there are no further snow days.

The district reported a 92.4 percent attendance rate for the spring-break week compared to the 94.5 percent normal attendance rate.

In the same memo, Ben praised all district employees for making the spring break makeup days a productive event.

"It was a good week of instruction without a lot of activities planned," Ben wrote. "We are confident that this will make up some ground academically and help our students be best prepared for the state testing."

For more information, go to the Decatur School District website at www.decatursd.com.

General News on 04/02/2014