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Mahtomedi school board tables decision on proposed 6th- and 9th-grade orientation day, seeks more input
Summary
The Mahtomedi Public School District board discussed a proposal to make the first day of school an orientation specifically for sixth- and ninth-graders but voted to table the calendar decision until September to gather construction updates and more community and teacher feedback.
Mahtomedi Public School District trustees debated and ultimately tabled a proposal on May 11 to make the first day of school an orientation day for sixth- and ninth-grade students, with the board asking staff to gather additional teacher and construction input before taking final action.
The proposal, brought forward by middle- and high-school principals, would make the first day of school a regular school day only for incoming sixth- and ninth-graders so older students could serve as peer leaders (link crew) and teachers could focus on classroom setup. Board members said the idea is common among other districts and could support smoother transitions for new secondary students.
District staff noted the change would comply with state requirements on instructional hours and days. Timelines and implementation details remain pending: trustees asked for clarity on transportation (a potential busing day), teacher preferences and the effect on families who currently rely on pre-school or summer schedules.
One board member said the calendar committee had studied the options and recommended an early start for instructional benefits; others raised concerns about construction timelines next summer and the difficulty of reversing a calendar choice once adopted. "We could do it again," a trustee said of changing start dates, but urged caution because of community reaction and contract constraints.
A motion to adopt a post–Labor Day start was discussed but an amendment to table the calendar decision until September passed. "I amend my motion to table discussion until September," a trustee said; the chair confirmed, "Okay. So it's been tabled to September then." The board asked staff to return in September with updated construction timelines, teacher feedback and community outreach findings so trustees can act with clearer logistics and communications.
The board will continue calendar discussions at a future meeting; no final calendar change was adopted on May 11.
