Obion County Board of Education
December 5, 2011

Background Information:

In preparation for the upcoming legislative session of the General Assembly, TSBA has requested for school boards to consider a series of resolutions. After meeting with Chairman Rainey, it was agreed to place each resolution on the Board’s agenda. The attached resolution is in opposition to a mandatory school start date. The resolution sets forth various reasons as to why a mandatory school start date is not in the best interest of public education and sets forth the Board’s opposition to any legislation or other similar effort to alter or impair a local board of education’s ability to establish an academic calendar as it works best for its students, teachers, parents, and community.

Staff Recommendation:

Although totally within the Board’s discretion as to whether to approve or reject this resolution, in my opinion, a mandatory school start date diminishes the power of the local board and is not in the best interest of education. I recommend approval of the resolution opposing a mandatory school start date.