Edmond adds days to school year

The Edmond School District has added three additional days of instruction to help make up classroom time lost in the state teacher walkout earlier this month.

During a special meeting Thursday, the school board opted to turn a previous day off, April 27, into an instructional day.

In addition, students are scheduled to go to school on May 24 and 25.

Edmond Superintendent Bret Towne noted the additional days would give the district just over the 1,080 hours of instruction required by the state.

April 27, a Friday, had previously been designated a day off for students and staff.

Traditionally, Edmond schedules an “April Day,” as the lone holiday between spring break and the end of the school year.

Although extra days were added, there was concern by board members that some families already had booked vacations on the days previously considered holidays.

Member Lee Ann Kuhlman hoped the district would work with parents and students who had made such plans.

Board President Meredith Exline said some families may have bought plane tickets already.

Member Jamie Underwood said if such proof could be shown to schools, students shouldn’t be punished for missing those days.

Kuhlman also wanted school administrators to be aware of the policy, which passed 4-0.

Member Kathleen Duncan was absent for the special session.

After the meeting, Edmond Santa Fe High School principal Jason Hayes said the district had used six inclement weather days to make up six of the nine days missed.

The last day of school is May 25, and teachers will have to report to schools on May 29, the Tuesday after Memorial Day.