Budget Crisis Forces Edmond Public Schools To Shorten School Year

Officials with Edmond Public Schools announced Wednesday morning the 2015-2016 calendar will be shortened by two days due to state budget crisis.

According to officials, the Board of Education voted Wednesday to shorten the 2015-2016 calendar for students by two days. The last day of school for students will now be Friday, May 20. It was originally scheduled to be Tuesday, May 24. 

Officials said shortening the 2015-2016 calendar will save the district money next year when it is facing $3.5 to $4 million in cuts due to the state budget crisis. Savings will be garnered in transportation, utility savings and substitute teacher costs.

Certified and support staff will report May 23 and May 24 for professional development in their areas. For teachers, that will include training on new state standards in Math and English Language Arts, iPad and Chromebook usage and the district’s new learning management system.

“Providing necessary training in May should decrease the number of professional development teacher absences next year which provides for better continuity of instruction and allows the district to save on the use of substitute teachers,” said Superintendent Bret Towne.

In addition, Towne said if teachers receive training now versus waiting until next fall they will be better prepared to implement the new state standards.

Randy Decker, chief human resources officer, said the district had eight additional instruction days built into the 2015-2016 calendar.

“While the district typically does not ‘return’ unused snow days, doing so this year allows us to use these days for much needed professional development due to numerous education initiatives,” Decker said. 

Decker said the district greatly appreciates the understanding of patrons and employees.

“We must take advantage of every opportunity to allocate resources wisely and this action by the board allows us to end the 2015-2016 school year on a Friday which is beneficial to all,” Decker said.

Central office administrators are working with site administrators to adjust semester test schedules as well as end-of-year activities. For the most up-to-date information on end-of-year activities, check with your child’s school.