Board reviews four calendar options after 286-response survey; decision expected in December

Amelia County Public Schools staff presented results from a 286‑response community survey and outlined four proposed academic calendars, and board members asked clarifying questions about the survey counts and a small error in one option’s holiday display.

In a presentation, Dr. Browning said the calendar committee used quantitative survey data and open‑ended comments to craft options that reflect community preferences. Key findings included that 57.7% of respondents preferred a calendar similar to the current year, 57.7% favored a midweek (Wednesday) start over a Tuesday start in one option, 60.1% preferred using 0.5‑day teacher workdays, and 53.1% wanted to keep a full week off at Thanksgiving. Staff reported 286 completed responses to an 11‑question survey.

Staff described four options: Option 1 mirrors this year with an adjusted Columbus Day placement; Option 2 starts on a Wednesday and retains six early‑release days; Option 3 delays the start to Wednesday, Aug. 18, and would end the school year on Thursday, May 27; Option 4 begins Wednesday, Aug. 12, and converts two traditional half‑days into full teacher workdays to reduce 0.5‑day impacts on families. Staff said Option 4 was designed to respond to parents who find 0.5‑day schedules difficult.

Board members pressed for clarity on apparent calendar display errors (one slide showed Presidents Day as a school day for Option 3; staff acknowledged and corrected that error) and on an earlier discrepancy in the stated last day of school for Option 3 (staff confirmed the last day is May 27). Staff said they will post corrected graphics, conduct school visits and collect additional feedback with another survey and aim for a final decision potentially in December.

Board action: none at this meeting; the calendar options remain in the information agenda with follow‑up outreach planned.