Area 30 Board reviews next year's school calendar

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The Area 30 Career Center Education Interlocal Board of Directors is already beginning planning for next year's school year. The board discussed possible changes to the calendar during its November meeting as well as celebrating the results of the NCA Quality Assurance Review.

The board discussed, as it has in the past, the possibility of moving toward a balanced calendar. If the school corporations approve the plan, schools would receive breaks at non-traditional times resulting in a two-week break in the fall, a two-week break at Christmas and a two-week break in the spring.

This balanced calendar would not only affect Area 30 students but also every member corporation, which includes South Putnam, North Putnam, Greencastle, Eminence and Cloverdale.

"A lot of schools have already moved to this," Area 30 Executive Director Lora Busch said.

Under the proposed new calendar, schools would begin in early August and end in early June. The board however, will speak to community members as well as its employees before making any decisions.

"I think we need to have time to really look at it," Area 30 Board President Murray Pride, the Eminence superintendent, said. "We need to have some time to assess the pulse of our community."

Many of the schools have begun speaking to their employees about the change. South Putnam employees reportedly have already expressed their approval of the switch.

"Generally the staff likes the idea," South Putnam Superintendent Bruce Bernhardt said. "We don't want to push it too quickly."

Busch explained the importance of having corresponding calendars, as many of the students from across the county also attend classes at Area 30. The board agreed to discuss the issue further at next month's board meeting.

The Area 30 board also discussed results of the NCA Quality Assurance Review visit, which took place Nov. 1-2. The NCA is national accreditation that schools can receive. It is also an evaluative tool to see the strengths and weaknesses of the institution.

"That was a big deal for us," Busch said. "It was a very rewarding experience."

The process of the review includes staff, students as well as stakeholders. Busch presented the results by stating that Area 30's three biggest strengths include professional development, vision as well as the overall positive school climate.

The next board meeting will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The executive session will meet at 8:30 a.m. with the regular meeting starting at 9 a.m.

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