By Tim Leeds
Havre Public Schools' calendar will have to run past Memorial Day next year.
Superintendent Kirk Miller informed the board that, due to contractual obligations, the earliest school could be released is the day after the national holiday.
Collective bargaining agreements with the district's employees include how early the school year can start, how many days the employees have to work, and a minimum number of vacation days, discussion at the meeting revealed. Due to these factors, Miller said, school cannot be released before Memorial Day.
With this in mind, Miller said, he will create three possible calendars for the board to review. Discussion at the Jan. 11 meeting was also favorable for holding graduation on the Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend.
Board member Kathie Newell Newell said the long weekend would work well for the event, making it easier for relatives who live out of town to attend.
Board chair Judy Bricker also voiced support. The long weekend would allow a lot to be planned around the event, she said.
The superintendent's office invited any parent or community member to provide input into the calendar planning. Comments must be submitted in writing to the superintendent's office at Robins School, mailing address PO Box 7791, Havre, MT 59501. Comments must be submitted by Jan. 24.
The superintendent's recommendation and discussion of the calendar will be presented and voted on by the trustees at the board meeting on Feb. 8, held at 6:30 p.m. at the Havre Middle School.
