Board debates snow days and flexible 'FIT/FID' days while revising 2026–27 calendar

Superintendent Dr. K presented a revision to the current school year calendar and a draft 2026–27 calendar that accounts for two used snow days and proposes three built‑in snow makeup days next year. The board discussed whether to reauthorize FIT/FID (flexible instructional) days, which some other Pennsylvania districts use as emergency or remote‑instruction options.

Board members and speakers raised competing concerns: supporters said FIT/FID days can avoid tacking days onto the end of the year and preserve instructional continuity before testing windows; opponents said FIT/FID days in prior use produced uneven instruction, left some special‑education students without meaningful learning, imposed burdens on working parents, and created contractual and transportation complications for district vendors and support staff.

One board member said the district had voted previously not to use FIT days and would need a motion to reauthorize their use; Dr. K noted the district currently has FIT days approved in a three‑year cycle but the board would have to change its prior direction to reengage them.

"Our special education children do not get any lessons that day and they're left out," one speaker said, arguing that instructional rigor for vulnerable students suffered under FIT/FID implementation.

The board reached a practical consensus to add at least one additional built‑in snow makeup day to the draft calendar and asked staff to return a revised draft and to gather implementation examples and criteria for FIT/FID days from other districts for further consideration. The board scheduled a final vote on the calendar at the next business meeting.