03-28-1994 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dr. Mich presented two calendars, draft #1 which is in keeping with current legislation that school not begin until after Labor Day and it also honors the request froa the Metropolitan Jewish coaaunity that school not be held on September 6 and 7 because these days are high holy days for the Jewish community. Draft calendar /2 is an alternative calendar pending legislation in the upcoming session that would allow school districts to begin school before Labor Day in those years in which religious holidays occur in the week of Labor Day. Dr. Mich's recommendation was that the Board adopt both calendars which would allow the District to act quickly once the legislature has made its decision. Discussion ensued with Board members expressing concern regarding the end of the school year being in June, the two week winter break, and the law which requires district's to begin after Labor Day. Dr. Mich stated that the development of more specific guidelines would be most helpful Ia constructing the calendar. Jim Franklin MOVED, Dave McKown seconded, that the Board of Education adopt the recommended calendar and the alternative calendar for the 1994-95 school year and direct administration to implement the alternative calendar if that conforms to legislative action during the upcoming legislative session. Peg Swanson MOVED TO AMEND the motion striking calendar /I and that the Board support calendar §2 and in the event that the legislature does not make that calendar possible, a revised calendar will be considered. Second by Martha Van de Ven. Ms. Swanson stated that she does not feel that calendar #1 meets the educational needs of the students. The question was called on the amendment. Nay: Jim Franklin and Dave McKown. Motion passed. The question was called on the motion as amended. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. McKown stated, for clarification purposes, that the Board had adopted calendar /2 and another calendar will be studied if the legislature does not allow the early start. Dr. Mich stated that consideration is currently being given to holding November elections for school board members and that the legislature may mandate this change. He stated that this is an information item for the Board and it is his sense that the Orono Board intends to wait for legislative action. Member Pamela Schroeder introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION INFORMATION ON FILE IN DISTRICT OFFICE