Cedar Rapids schools seek input on proposed calendar

The Cedar Rapids school district is seeking public comment on two proposed regular schedule calendars for the 2010-11 school year.

Each calendar contains 180 student contact days, 190/191 teacher contract days, 10 holidays and a combination of full- and half- staff learning days. The two options can be found on the district Web site at www.cr.k12.ia.us

Community members are invited to comment on both versions by Sept. 28 by contacting the district at (319) 558-2223 or lday@cr.k12.ia.us

The modified year-round calendar will be developed and based on whichever option is selected for the regular schedule.

Associate Superintendent Gary O'Malley discussed the pros and cons of a year-round schedule at last night's school board meeting. The 10 pros outweighed the five cons, with parent support, year-round nutritional benefits and better retention topping the pros list.

Cons included additional costs, a different maintenance and cleaning schedule and siblings on different school schedules.

Principals Eric Christenson (Polk Elementary) and Brian Christoffersen (Taylor Elementary) contributed to the list. Polk is the only district school operating on the modified year-round calendar. The district will decide if Taylor will go back to its year-round schedule when Superintendent Dave Benson makes the final calendar recommendation to the school board at the Oct. 26 meeting.