Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 16, 1990 TAG: 9005160061
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: FLOYD LENGTH: Medium
The last day of school had to be moved to May 29, 1991, after board member Doug Phillips discovered the calendar included only 179 student days - one less than the state requires. The board had set May 28 as the final day for students at its April meeting.
David Harman, administrative assistant and supervisor of secondary education, told the board the only major change from the calendar version presented in April was the scheduling of makeup days.
The latest school could end is June 17, if 15 or more days are missed because of bad weather.
This year, Floyd County had 14 weather cancellations. Harman said in a normal year the county misses about 10 days.
The calendar includes 195 days - 180 teaching days, seven teacher work days before or after the school year, five school-year work days and three in-service days to be scheduled by principals or supervisors.
Phillips was concerned though that state regulations define teacher contracts as 200 days in length.
"The thing I want to get straightened out are the number of days [for teachers]," said Phillips. "To me, it says 200 days. Are we doing what we are supposed to be doing with a 200 days contract at 195 days?"
After a review of state regulations showed 180 teaching days and 10 work days were required and up to an additional 10 work days could be planned.
"As strange as it seems, the way to meet the state requirement for 200 days is to be there 190 days," said Chairman Dale Profitt.
In other business, the School Board approved the annual special education plan and handbook. About 300 of the county's 1,900 students are in at least one special education program, from individual education to speech classes.
The board asked the supervisors to release funds previously allocated but not disbursed. Money not yet received totals $23,067 for administration costs and $30,145 for maintenance.
Tony Oliveira, elementary education supervisor, briefed the board on the elementary library study. Oliveira said he would have details on how to their enhance use and improve access at the August board meeting.
by CNB