Jan. 23 to be a snow-day makeup day
JANESVILLE — The Janesville School Board agreed Tuesday to hold school Friday, Jan. 23, a day that had been scheduled as a day off for students.
The day will make up for a snow day in December.
The board also voted to set April 13 as the next weather makeup day, if it is needed.
The April 13 date is not a sure thing, however, because the teachers union has to approve it, too. The school calendar is a part of the teachers’ contract, so the union and the board have to agree on any change.
The Jan. 23 date was announced last week, after the administration and union officials agreed. But no one could be sure if Jan. 23 would be the date until the school board voted.
Board member Peter D. Severson objected to the process. He said the board had no choice but to agree after the date was announced to the public.
“We’re put in a spot where we’re rubber-stamping this whether we like it or not,” Severson said.
Noting that some families had planned to travel Jan. 23, Severson asked that in the future, parents be given more time to adjust to a change in the calendar.
Board member Lori Stottler asked whether the district should build more snow days into its calendar so makeup days wouldn’t have to be found in midyear.
Superintendent Tom Evert said the district had no problems for a number of years, when no extra makeup days had to be scheduled. Then last year, the district experienced a record four snow days.
School has been called off twice already this school year.
Evert said that accommodating more snow days in the calendar would be discussed in upcoming negotiations on a new teachers contract.
related STORIES
Jan 15, 2009 at 6:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
As I have stated in the past, it doesn't make sense to call off school so early. I have received a lot of criticism for this, but it just doesn't make sense. A two hour delay would have been sufficient today. There was no wind. Yes, it was dangerously cold, but once the kids are in the building they stay there. Furthermore, education is most effective with few interruptions.
Jan 14, 2009 at 11 p.m.
Suggest removal
Did anyone see my suggestion? Sheesh.
When it's deemed dangerous and deadly to be out in these temperatures at what point does a school district, business, etc. decide to close for the day. There is no place safer than inside your home...cars can break down, accidents happen, the roads are a mess, kids do walk to school and home not to mention from vehicles to the door, or school staff and high schoolers from the parking lot to the school not to mention staff and students at BTC and U-Rock.
Jan 14, 2009 at 2:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
fuss,
When has Janesville called off school because of a "threat" of bad weather? Hadn't it been years (before last winter) since the last "Snow Day" in Janesville?
Districts have a lot to consider when declaring a snow or cold day... Make up is one but the % of kids who drive, walk, take the bus...the % of staff who drive a distance should all be considered. When other businesses deal with the snow people can call in and there job is the only one impacted by that decision. When teachers call in the district must find a sub.
Superintendents factor in many issues when deciding "school is cancelled". And yes, make-up days are difficult because often buildings have other commitments, students may have other commitments (ACT testing for example). You don't simply pick a random day and say - make up!
Why does everyone assume running a district is so easy? Remember the district doesn't have to just deal with staff, that would be easy, the students make things a bit tricky.
Jan 14, 2009 at 1:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Seems like they should have more than one day even if it isn't typical. Wouldn't it be terrible that the kids were in school 2 extra days -geez they might learn something.
+
It also seems ridiculous that so many people have to approve when they are going to make up the day. It should be as simple as, hey we have to make up a day and here is when it is going to be. Maybe they won't be so quick to call off school when there is a threat of bad weather.
Jan 14, 2009 at 1:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
When are the make-up days for tomorrow and Friday going to be?
(just a prediction)
Jan 14, 2009 at 1:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
After what happened last year I too wonder why more snow days weren't built in to the school year. One obviously isn't enough. Now with the wind chill warning for the next two days which more than likely will cancel school the rest of the week two more days need to be 'found' for make up. My suggestion would be spring break cut from six days to two days with spring break being Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Jan 14, 2009 at 8:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
this makes it official: i figured seeing how they've had the exam schedule for the 23rd on family access for over a week it was already a done deal..
Jan 14, 2009 at 8:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
Why would they not have more weather and snow days? Get a clue this is Wisconsin!!!!! Now with the severe cold will they have to risk their health or even life to go to school or will the city call off school? I know one thing my grandkids will not be going...........
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.