SAD 70 mulls calendar

By Sarah Berthiaume
Special to the Pioneer Times
    HODGDON, Maine — SAD 70 is mulling some slight changes to their upcoming school calendar — changes for which they’re hoping to get family feedback.
The 2014-15 proposed calendar includes 14 early release days — days when students’ finish school at 1:15 p.m. Typically, these days have been scheduled for either a Wednesday or a Thursday. But that tradition could change in the coming year.    “We are looking at shifting those days around some,” said Superintendent Scott Richardson, who explained that students miss some instruction on early release days and the same Wednesday and Thursday classes were being hit each time. A more varied early release schedule would help share the load of time lost.
“The thing that jumped out to me is that this change could make it a lot harder on parents than just keeping regular days,” said Board Member Angie Howland.
Board Chair Estela Lane suggested getting feedback from parents.
“If you really think [it would be a problem], we should alert the parents and explain the situation to them before vote,” said Lane.
Others felt approval of the calendar now would give parents ample time to prepare for the change.
In the end, the board voted to table the proposed calendar. They will most likely make a final decision at their April board meeting, but anyone with questions or feedback is asked to call one of their school’s administrators.