MERS BOE Rejects Proposed 2012-2013 Calendar
Members cite two half-days as reason for ‘no’ vote.
The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District’s 2012-2013 calendar is still a work in progress. The Board of Education voted down a proposed calendar during a meeting at Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School on Tuesday.
“I’m opposed to this calendar,” Board President Michele Stipelman said, citing the proposed half-days before the Thanksgiving holiday and winter recess. “Last week the school report cards were released and we did not necessarily have a stellar performance. I really think we’re better off having school on those days.”
Superintendent John J. Marciante Jr. said the calendar had been drawn up to follow the Freehold Regional High School District because of a directive from the Monmouth County Superintendent’s Office. The county recommended regional districts attempt to coordinate their calendars, he explained.
“Not every district follows that directive. We felt that it made sense for the children in our schools to follow the regional calendar,” Marciante said.
Board Vice-President Lori Semel noted that the proposed calendar seemed to have a lot of days off in September and questioned whether the district needed to close school for the Columbus Day holiday. Marciante said they were required to do so.
Stipelman, Semel and board members Annamarie Galante, Jame Mumolie, Diane Bindler, Ralph Cafaro voted against approving the calendar, while members Brian Graime and Dotty Porcaro voted to support it.
Donna L.
9:28 am on Sunday, February 12, 2012
When Ms. Stipleman stated , "... I really think we’re better off having school on those days.”, does she realize that the 1/2 day counts for a full day of school? Adding an extra 1/2 day of school before Thanksgiving and Winter Break is not going to increase the school report card. The children are excited about the holidays and it is not an easy teaching day. Plus, consideration of families' travel and the time for teachers to prepare for the holiday must be taken into account. Of course MERS should coordinate with the FRHSD. As for all the days off in October, how about having teachers' workshops on Columbus Day when the students are off. Then we wouldn't be closing for teacher workshops.