RAPID CITY, SD – On Tuesday, the Board of Education for Rapid City Area Schools voted to oppose alterations to the 25-26 Staff and Student Calendar, following a decision made on January 21st to postpone the motion to allow time for public discourse on the subject.
The calendar in question, which allowed such changes as a full week off for thanksgiving, an advanced graduation date, and an extra day of christmas sparked discussion from the board at its last meeting, leading to a desire to seek comment from parents and community members.
In board room debate on the topic, Board member Katy Urban was first to speak, saying “I received more than 50 comments on social media and through email, and there were some clear themes that emerged in the feedback,” going on to say that the majority of opposition came not from opposing the content of the new calendar, but rather “Because they’ve already made plans, whether that be for thanksgiving break, graduation, or other commitments”. 1st Vice President Jamie Clapham spoke then on the nature of timing, saying “I fully respect the reasons that Dr. Strasser has brought this change, and I really do understand them” but that “I think what I’ve learned is that our community needs time to process things”. Board member Michael Birkeland said “There is no perfect calendar, which is why I feel more okay leaving the current calendar”.
The final vote resulted in one member for, and six against proposed changes.
