Trending
NEW CUMBERLAND -- The current school year isn't quite finished, but the Hancock County Board of Education is in the process of planning for the next one.
As part of a series of meetings held Monday, the school board held the first of two required public hearings to plan the calendar for the 2023-24 school year.
Superintendent Dawn Petrovich announced that, just as with previous years, a survey will be posted on the school district's website, beginning today, the results of which will be used to pattern the calendar.
"We like to have everyone's input," Petrovich said.
The survey is anonymous, with the goal of having participation from students, parents, faculty and staff, as well as other members of the community, including those who might not currently have a connection to the school district.
The survey will be live through April 7, and then presented to the school board for its consideration during the April 10 board meeting. A second hearing also will be scheduled for April 10.
Respondents will be asked to answer a series of seven questions, including preferences for certain holiday breaks, the beginning and ending of the school year, and their association with Hancock County Schools.
The possible starting dates include Aug. 14 for staff and Aug. 18 for students, Aug. 15 for staff and Aug. 21 for students, Aug. 17 for staff and Aug. 23 for students, or no preference.
Thanksgiving has options of the entire week of Nov. 20-24, or having only Nov. 22-24.
Columbus Day, Oct. 9, and President's Day, Feb. 19, have options of being either an instructional day with students and staff reporting, a non-instructional day with only staff reporting, or having schools closed.
Christmas break is offered to last from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1, or Dec. 22 to Jan. 1. School would resume Jan. 2 for either choice.
With the Easter holiday, the survey offers the options of the entire week before Easter from March 25 to March 29; the entire week after Easter April 1 to April 5; only March 29 and April 1; or from March 28 to April 1.
"I always look at other school systems," she said, noting others have begun to offer a full week out of school for Easter, and that will be an option for Hancock County as well.
Following a question from board Vice President Ed Fields, Petrovich explained the longer any of the holiday breaks are, the longer the school year.
"We still have to fit 180 days in," she said.
Those with additional comments or questions not included in the survey are asked to email Petrovich directly at dpetrovi@k12.wv.us.