Flexible School Calendar Act of 2012 It’s All About The Children

Facts The first day for student instruction can be no earlier than the Monday two weeks prior to Labor Day – August 20, The last day for student instruction must be no later than the Friday immediately preceding National Memorial Day – May 24, The state-required student school year must include a minimum of 180 instructional days based on a minimum of six hours of instruction per day or its hourly equivalent of 1080 hours exclusive of lunch, recess, and class change. The law is in effect for the school year and the first three months of the school year only.

Facts (continued) The state-required teacher contract year must include 187 days regardless of any modification or reduction in student instructional days. The additional seven (7) teacher days may occur prior to or after the beginning and ending dates required for students. Teacher salaries must remain the same regardless of modifications to the student instructional day based on the approved state salary matrix.

Facts (continued) The salary/hourly rate of classified employees may not be reduced as a result of adjustments to the school calendar. Schedules for classified employees may be adjusted to meet the needs of an extended instructional day. Work assignment for classified employees cannot fall outside of their approved job description, i.e., bus drivers or CNP staff assigned to building and/or grounds maintenance.

Facts (continued) There are two (2) required holidays – Veteran’s Day and National Memorial Day – no students, faculty, or staff. There is one (1) required Professional Development Day each year (Teacher Institute) for certified employees. All other holidays and professional development days are a local decision.

Areas of Caution Any reduction in student days will result in a reduction in meals served that are used for CNP salaries, which would need to be made up from general funds – Mobile has calculated $1,000,000 per day for its system. Adjusted salary schedules for classified employees could lead to future overtime costs.

Areas of Caution Changes in work hours could require adjustments for determining leave. Individual classified employees who work dual roles (aide/bus driver) within an extended day may have potential for overtime. Rate of pay for substitutes may need revisions related to minimum wage requirements. IDEA requires that students with disabilities receive the same number of instructional minutes as general education students.

Areas of Caution Decreased access to synchronous ACCESS courses could be realized. Return to a previous calendar could have salary implications for future years. Public perception of more teacher days without students could have a negative impact on public education. Modified instructional time has a potential negative impact on student learning especially for students who are academically challenged.

Recommendation Based on the fact that this bill has a one-year shelf life. AND Based on the fact that the flexibility does not extend past the time the beginning and ending dates have expired. AND Based on the fact that there could be unintended and yet to be determined long-term budgetary and legal issues that could negatively affect local school system budgets. I am recommending that you hold firm to the 180-day school year. This removes any of the areas of concern mentioned previously – while respecting this decision as one best made at the local level based on the needs of your students.