SPRINGDALE — Springdale School District employees will vote whether to make up some snow days by holding classes on two Saturdays, the first two days of spring break or both.
Teachers and other staff members will get the ballots today. They must return them Monday afternoon, said Hartzell Jones, deputy superintendent.
The ballot asks them to vote on three proposals.
The first would make up four days by going to school two Saturdays, March 5 and April 2, and Monday and Tuesday of spring break, March 21-22.
The second proposal would make up two days by holding school on those Saturdays. The third request is to only go the first two days of spring break.
The district canceled classes 10 times this year because of inclement weather. It had five snow days built into the calendar.
The election was set Thursday evening after Jones met with the district’s Certified Personnel Policy Committee. He described it as a chance for staff to decide if the district should make up additional days before the state Benchmark exams.
Many teachers will appreciate the opportunity, said Angie Bassett, elementary school teacher and committee member.
District policy states missed days are made up by extending the school year. Superintendent Jim Rollins said administrators are increasingly concerned about how the cancellations may impact student performance on the tests.
“Time is very important here,” Rollins said.
The state will not change the test dates.
Employees previously decided to make up a day by holding school Feb. 18. It was originally a teacher in-service day.
If they recommend another change, then the administration plans to ask the School Board to approve it Tuesday, Jones said.
June 9 is currently scheduled as the last day of school.