From:
Karen Stroud
Community Relations Director
Douglas County School System
770-651-2037
770-920-4588 FAX
www.douglas.k12.ga.us
Re: Makeup Days for Flood Days September 21-25, 2009
Student make up days to replace those missed during the week of flooding, September 21-25, were set at the Douglas County Board of Education's regularly scheduled October 5, 2009 meeting. Students and teachers will make up two days on October 12 and 13. The other three days missed by students will be forgiven under Georgia law which allows shortening the 180 day student year up to four days if necessary due to disaster or other extraordinary event. The 2009-2010 Douglas County school year for students will now be 177 days and the work year for teachers is currently 190 days with three of those days designated as furlough days.
"This was a difficult decision for the board" said Chairman Jimmy Bartlett. "We understand that some parents and staff have made unchangeable plans for the upcoming make up days in October and will ask our principals to work with individuals with special circumstances. Feedback from parents, staff and the community were considered when we made our decision.
"As we move forward with determining staff make up days, we will be actively seeking input from employees and a decision will be made that reflects their best interest," added Superintendent Don Remillard. "A final decision on the make up days will probably be made after the first of the year. I anticipate the state will have reviewed its budget status at that time and will let us know if additional furlough days are needed on top of the three already required."
"Our intent is not to penalize students, parents or staff with the actions of the board on this issue," Remillard said. "Our staff will work with students on making up work if they must miss October 12 and/or 13."
