The decision to adjust the schedule was made after Assistant Superintendent Kristine Quallich approached the board of education with a request to move the last day of school for elementary students from May 23 to May 22. The change will allow for a professional development day for teachers on May 23, which will be used to provide training on the new language arts program. According to Quallich, the district has piloted the program in some buildings this year, but it will be expanded to all schools next year.
Board member Rebecca Parkhurst raised concerns about meeting the minimum number of instruction hours required by the state. However, Quallich assured the board that Medina will still be well above the state minimum and that the training day will not require making up the missed day. Superintendent Aaron Sable also noted that the district has only used one calamity day this school year due to a mild winter.
Board President Jeanne Pritchard inquired about the involvement of retired teachers during the training day. Quallich responded that retired teachers are welcome to participate in the training but are not obligated to attend. The change in the school calendar was approved by the board of education, giving elementary school students in Medina an early start to their summer break.
