School debates calendar changes

TCNS staff

 GROVETON — The Groveton School Board renewed its District of Innovation Plan, a process that will allow administrators more freedom in scheduling, at its regular meeting on Feb. 28.

Superintendent Jim Dillard said the district is considering a move to a 4-day schedule, and the Innovation plan will make any changes easier. 

However, no changes have been made as the district still is collecting information to see if that is the proper direction for Groveton. 

“We put out a survey, but we didn’t get many responses because many felt it was too difficult to access,” Dillard said. “Of those that did respond, we have a 74 percent approval rating to move to a four-day week. I’m not sure (the low amount of responses are) enough to move there.”

Among the concerns such a transition would cause are day care of students on the off-day, as well as for length of school day, which can be tough on elementary school kids, he said.

“It’s all around us (as Apple Springs, Centerville and Shepherd districts have adopted 4-day weeks), but for our district,” Dillard said. “I want to do what’s right for the kids, and I need more input from staff and community.”

In other business, the board:

• approved policy updates suggested by the Texas Association of School Boards;

• opened bids for the sale of surplus school land; and

• approved employment contracts for administrators throughout the district.