Columbia Board of Education approves 2023-24 school calendar in a 4-3 vote after debate
The Columbia Board of Education on Monday approved the 2023-24 school year calendar in a split vote.
The vote was 4-3, with board members elected in April voting "no" - April Ferrao, John Lyman and Paul Harper.
The contentious issue was three consecutive teacher professional development - training - days Oct. 2, 3 and 4. It also included another two days for the same purpose at the end of the month, Oct. 26 and 27.
The leaders of the two teacher groups, the Columbia Missouri State Teachers Association and the Columbia Missouri National Education Association, spoke against the calendar for that reason.
The calendar was a district proposal, not a union proposal, said Noelle Gilzow, CMNEA president.
"Many classroom teachers are not in favor of the calendar you're considering tonight," Gilzow said.
There's research behind the consecutive days of training, said Michelle Holz, assistant superintendent for human resources.
"The most effective professional development is early in the fall," Holz said.
No calendar will please everyone, she said,
"The district is clearly hearing from CMNEA that teachers need more professional development," Holz said.
The professional development is a step toward boosting student achievement, she said.
"We cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results," Holz said.
Lyman had another view.
"We really just took three days of instructional time away, right?" Lyman said.
There aren't as many early release days included in the calendar, said De'Vion Moore, assistant superintendent for elementary education.
The three consecutive days will be difficult for some families, Harper said.
"I do think it's going to be a struggle," Harper said.
The intent is to improve classroom instruction, said Superintendent Brian Yearwood.
"Let's face it, we're at the bottom" in student achievement, he said.
The first day of classes is Aug. 22, with the last day on May 23, 2024.
Winter break starts Dec. 21 and ends Jan. 1, 2024. Thanksgiving break is Nov. 22-24. Graduation dates are May 17 and 18, 2024.
Student Mental Health Supports
The board heard information from community partners about mental health support for students.
Grade A Plus, a not-for-profit, provides tutoring and other student support, said director Janice Threat.
"It is going to take a community effort," Threat said. "It's not only something that can be done by the schools."
Sarah Owens, director of school-based services for Family Access Center of Excellence, reported on its involvement with CPS and other Boone County school districts for eight years.
It offers support and intervention and provides case management for some students and their families, she said.
It is supported by the Boone County Children's Services Fund.
"Our team of 20 is really just adding on to what you have in the schools," Owens said.
Burrell Behavioral Health offers psychiatry, individual and group therapy, behavioral health crisis services and case management, said Megan Steen, Burrell central region chief operating officer.
"We are experiencing a mental health crisis with youth," Steen said.
Battle High School outreach counselor Lesley Thalhuber reported on the many situations she encounters with students throughout her days.
Spartan Academy
Battle High School students Jamarrion Pittman, John'Eiono Cogan, Jearlissia Jackson and Eve Pratte told the board about Spartan Academy, which they said helped them make it to graduation.
It's a supportive environment for students needing an alternative path to graduation, with some receiving high school credits for working.
Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on Twitter at @rmckinney9.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: 2023-24 calendar includes three consecutive teacher training days
