DeKalb School System Proposes Two Calendars

September 18th, 2012

The DeKalb County School District has released two new calendar options for public review. In the next few weeks, the district will decide whether to use a “traditional” or “balanced” calendar. A traditional calendar is similar to what the district has now. Lillian Govus is the digital program manager for the DeKalb schools.

“There is one week less of instruction prior to the state testing and the summer break is longer with fewer extended breaks in the academic year,” she says.

A balanced calendar would have a shorter summer with more breaks throughout the year. In addition to the calendar, the district is also considering adding a weekly “early release day.” David Schutten, president of the Organization of DeKalb Educators, says teachers need that time for planning and professional development:

“You have to have professional learning to renew your certification,” Schutten says, “And there are schools that don’t get much planning time. So, it’s just not planning time. You have to keep abreast of what’s going on in the field of education.”

The calendars and early release option are available for public comment on the district’s website through the middle of next week. A survey is also available. Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson will then review the feedback and make a recommendation to board. The board is expected to vote at its second meeting in October.