Southmoreland board amends 2024–25 calendar after debate over December day and monthly data delays

The Southmoreland School District board voted April 16 to amend the 2024–25 school calendar after a lengthy discussion about family impacts, 2‑hour monthly data meetings and coordination with the county career and technical center (CWCTC).

A parent who identified herself as Melissa Moore raised concerns about having meet‑the‑teacher nights before teachers’ first day and asked whether multiple Act 80 and two‑hour data days would place childcare burdens on working families. "Are we putting kids in dangerous situations because some parents might just have to leave them?" she asked during public comment.

Board members discussed making Dec. 23 a no‑school day for students and moving the contractual early dismissal to Dec. 20. Superintendent explained the district is no longer strictly bound to 180 student days under recent legislation and that changing Dec. 23 to a holiday would require making Dec. 20 a two‑hour early dismissal for contractual reasons. One member moved to amend the calendar accordingly; the motion was seconded, discussed and carried by voice vote.

Members also questioned seven scheduled two‑hour data meetings across the year and whether those short sessions can deliver meaningful work. The superintendent said the two‑hour sessions were coordinated with other sending schools within the CWCTC catchment area to simplify schedules for students who attend the technical center and that some days could be converted to early dismissals or full professional‑development days as needed.

Administrators said the calendar can still be amended after approval if the board chooses and noted flexibility in September and October Act 80 scheduling. The board approved the amendment and will notify families and update the posted calendar and any subsequent amendments.