School board approves 2-year calendar

The Churchill County School Board recently approved school calendars for the next two years dependent on if trustees must cut the budget to implement cost-cutting measures such as a four-day week

Kerri Angel, a science teacher at Churchill County Middle School, said 324 employees voted on the calendars. She also said the calendar committee developed several four-day calendars.

New teachers begin on Aug. 11, 2016, followed by all staff personnel on Aug. 12. Students begin the fall semester on Aug. 15.

The semester ends on Dec. 22 followed by an 11-day break and a teacher workday on Jan. 9, 2017. Students report on Jan. 10, the first day of the spring semester.

As for the current calendars, Angel said school will begin early for the fall semester and dismiss before winter break.

The spring break is April 17-21, which puts Churchill County School District at odds with area institutions of higher learning.

Carson City School District, for example, aligned it break March 10-26 with the University of Nevada, Reno and Western Nevada College to help students in the Jump Start program get a break from instruction.

Oasis Academy is planning its break at the same time but it is coming after students finish the third quarter

The last day of school and graduation is May 26.

The 2017-2018 also follows the same format as the 2016 calendar. School begins for students on Aug. 15, 2015 and ends on May 25, 2018.

The school board will conduct its first meeting of February on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Old High School, 690 S. Maine St.

Items of discussion:

The Board will recognize the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade spelling bee winners.

The Board will recognize the Churchill County High School archery team for winning the 2016 National Archery in the Schools Program — Nevada State Tournament.

The board will receive a provided written report regarding the Pledge of Allegiance in schools.

For discussion and possible action:

Update regarding Early Retirement Incentive Program (Policy 4811) and review and possible approval of applications for early retirement.

Approval of the employment contract with Kimi Melendy, director of Educational Services, for the 2016-2017 school year, with no changes.

Approval of the employment contract with Will Jensen, director of Special Services, for the 2016-2017 school year, with one minor change — adding two personal days to his contract.

The School Board will determine the number of scholarships and the amount of money for the Churchill County Board of School Trustees Scholarship(s) for the 2015-2016 Seniors.

Renewal of Parson’s contract for construction management.