From the Desk of Patrick McKernan
USD 429 Parents, Students, and Staff:
Over the last couple years, I and the board of education have heard some discussion on an earlier start date for school. We will be gathering some input on this topic throughout the first semester of the school year. We will be developing a survey for all to fill out stating their individual choices on start dates, end dates, and breaks with the school year. These will be shared out and the board will ultimately make the decision on the 2024-2025 school calendar base on input gathered.
Researching and speaking with staff who have been here the longest, I can determine that we cut back on the number of days for students and staff in 2009. I know money was tight for schools in 2008-2011 and this has been mentioned as reason to start later and have fewer days. The initial cost savings would have been substantial, I am certain, due to cutting days. Salaries, transportation costs, food service costs, and utility costs would have all factored in to the savings.
I am looking forward to gathering the input and having these discussions. We will get the word out when the survey is developed and hope to gather a lot of responses.
Sincerely,
Patrick E. McKernan
Superintendent of Schools
Troy USD 429