Crete-Monee school officials have scrapped a proposal that would have designated MLK, Presidents Day, Casimir Pulaski Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day for use as either student attendance days or teacher institute days.
Unpopular with a large segment of the district’s staff, as well as community members, the so-called Holiday Waiver drew some concern from the school board at the January 13 meeting.
Board member Bill Sawallisch said then that he felt the issue was being rushed and suggested additional research before voting on it.
Other board members agreed, and the issue was tabled.
But even after the delay, the issue didn’t garner support.
“The District re-surveyed staff, and it was determined not to move forward with the holiday waiver,” Superintendent Kara Coglianese confirmed.
“As it stands now, we will continue to have E-learning days, with a state limit of up to five. If more days are needed, then the emergency days at the end of the school year will be used, which will just add on the day to the end of the calendar.
“The committee that sets the calendar each school year is comprised of staff,” she added.
“They collectively work with our administrative team to determine the calendar.
“As a superintendent, I accept the collaborative team’s decision, as I support their decisions. The board does as well.
“In this case, the committee set the calendar, but not all staff were in favor, so we re-surveyed the staff and made a decision based on the majority of their preferences. The committee supported the preferences of all of the staff and so the calendar will be presented again to the board with the adjustments.”
The waiver also would have given the district the option of holding school or scheduling teacher institutes, parent-teacher conferences, or staff development on those five days.
However, it would be required that the person or persons honored in those holidays would be recognized through instructional activities conducted on that day, or if the day is not used for student attendance, then on the first school day preceding or following the holiday.
During public comments, residents said they were opposed to the waiver for several reasons, including the loss of a day when working parents can schedule medical appointments for their children, teachers can enjoy an extra day to relax and refuel, and families can continue to celebrate the special cultural aspects of the holidays