Calendar Questions
Some members have been asking why the Troy school calendar does not mirror other districts’ calendars.
Each district bargains a calendar with their teachers that reflect the desires of the local school board and community. The one constant for all districts is the state laws which regulate public school calendars. Here are the most noteworthy laws when considering a school calendar:
- State law requires that districts maintain the number of student days to no less than 180. In the 2016-2017, all schools will have 180 student days.
- State law requires that districts maintain no less than1098 hours per school year.
- State law passed in 2008 requires a district to maintain the number of student days that they currently have in their school calendar. We had 179 student days that school year.
- State law requires that the first day of school cannot be scheduled until after Labor Day. (Unless a waiver is obtained)
- State law requires each ISD to establish a county-wide calendar for the holiday break and spring break. Districts must adhere to this schedule unless they wish to appeal to the Michigan Department of Education for a waiver.
In addition to the legal requirements, the TSD continues to pursue a second week of June school year ending date. This consideration/position requires adjustments in bargaining the calendar. The February break has been changed over the years in order to comply with the legal regulations that are beyond our control and still maintain a last day of school that was not too late in June.
What does all this mean and why are we talking about starting the 2016-2017 school year before Labor Day?
The school calendar is very complex, and since the law requires all districts to have 180 student days, and 1098 hours, the calendar for the next few years is difficult due to how late Labor Day is, and the changes in state law pertaining to calendar. Districts have the right to request waivers for calendar adjustments to modify these inherent calendar issues. Before we began to bargain the calendar, the TEA surveyed members on this very possibility and received feedback from the membership. Two-thirds (2/3) of our membership agreed to a before Labor Day start. We use the survey to help drive bargaining.
What if I have made plans or have a vacation during that time? What if I already paid for it?
You have personal days that you may take for this (as an option). We know this is a very sensitive issue and we are discussing it with the district. We also understand and will bring up about how this will affect PBC.
When will we know more information about next year's calendar?
We have several other bargaining dates scheduled. We will let everyone know as soon as we know something.