School calendar linked to sports

To the editor:

I was glad to see someone finally linked the school calendar question to the (truly) all-important: sports ('Ask & Answer,” Jan. 4).

Jason P. hit the nail on the head as to why districts have, for years, filed for and gotten those waivers.

I was invited to participate in our district's Calender Committee discussions two different years. I went to the meetings armed with research. I planned to ask the group to consider adjustments to the calendar that could result in more cohesive professional development for teachers.

Imagine my dismay when I discovered that there was very little flexibility allowed in when to schedule those work days, and the reason always came back to the sports schedule. It seems that, in order for the conference schools to ensure that their athletes have ample time(s) to compete with one another, those game dates and times are set two to three years in advance.

Mickey Dunn

Center Point