Pekin School Board Discusses Possible Alternative Calender

PACKWOOD – During the Nov. 11 meeting of the Pekin School Board, Interim Superintendent Jeff Maeder stated the district needed to put a lot of thought into next year’s calendar. He stated that there are a lot of things the district could be doing with professional development, but that teachers need more time to prepare lessons, and that it is hard to get a good balance. He said Pekin may need an alternative calendar, possibly including a four-day week or having a half-day once a week to give teachers time and flexibility. He stated that teachers are currently swamped with work and worry, and that this has a direct effect on students. 

Maeder stated there were a lot of things that needed answers for an alternative schedule, like how it would affect preschool and daycare, food, security, and staff compensation. He stated he didn’t know a specific timetable and didn’t want to rush things, but might give a recommendation for the board by January. Elementary Principal Liz Goodwin stated that teachers were currently very stressed and needed more time to prepare classwork and do professional development. She stated she was considering hiring subs for half a day, to give time to get things in order and produce quality lessons.

Board member J.J. Greiner stated that professional development was important, but so was time in the classroom, and that the school needed to find a balance to keep staff happy. Board member Josh Arendt stated that calendar decisions will be up to the administration.

Maeder shared rough cost estimates for facility improvements with the board. He noted that there are ways to acquire money for renovations without affecting the general fund. Board member Kortney Baumberger noted there was no mention of the high school gym floor on the estimates, and that the floor needs updated. Board member Mike Sieren noted the basketball court was on its last legs.

The board approved getting bids from superintendent search firms in the area, which could be hired if the board sought more candidates for the superintendent position. Goodwin stated that attendance was better than anticipated and that all grades had over 95% attendance in October.

Greiner stated that the board had met the requirements to receive an award from the Iowa School Board Association, due to there being four members who have received at least 15 hours of training this year.