Snow days plow school year into June

The Oldham County board of education amended the 2010-2011 school calendar at its January monthly meeting, changing a holiday — Presidents’ Day (Feb. 21) — to a make-up day.
To date, the district has missed eight days this year due to snow and hazardous road conditions.
The last day for students will be June 2, though Superintendent Paul Upchurch noted that this date is subject to change.
Schools were closed Dec. 13, 16 and 17, as well as Jan. 11, 12, 20, 21 and 26. Make up days have been scheduled for Feb. 21; May 24, 25, 26, 27 and 31; and June 1 and 2.
Board members inquired why Friday, May 6 –  Oaks Day –  is a non-school day.
Pupil personnel director Michael Williams said he was told the district observed the day because enough substitute teachers have not been available to fill teacher absences.
“I have always been told that teachers’ husbands work for huge corporations and are expected to bring their wives to the (Kentucky Derby) event,” Williams said.
Board member Larry Dodson asked whether teachers could be surveyed since “things may have changed.”
Williams said the district can apply for “disaster days” from the state after 20 days of missed school.
An amended school calendar is posted on the board of education’s website.

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