Published: March 21, 2009 10:10 pm         

TRIBUNE-STAR EDITOIAL: School calendar mandate — with no district input

State should have invited discussion

TERRE HAUTE — Hoosiers possibly have tasted another “unintended consequence” of Indiana property-tax reforms.

Funding reductions triggered by that legislation already have forced Vigo County to close three of its four public library branches this spring.

Now, we’re seeing signs that the reforms may have strengthened the state’s hand with its public school districts.

Some feared local schools could lose influence when legislators adopted the property-tax caps in 2007. That’s because the state picked up the tab for full funding of the districts’ operating expenses. Previously, the state assumed 85 percent of the bill. The state now covers the remainder through a sales-tax increase.

The school districts also apparently forfeited the opportunity to consult with the Indiana Department of Education on consequential decisions.

Last week, state schools superintendent Tony Bennett used an e-mail to notify districts of a major change in school calendars. The requirement for kids to attend 180 days of classes would no longer be flexible. Snow days have to be made up. Half-days for teacher training, and days shortened for parent-teacher conferences won’t count toward the 180 either.

Bennett’s ultimate goal, increased instruction for kids, is laudable. His e-mail to the districts quoted President Obama, saying, “The challenges of a new century demand more time in the classroom.” That is true. Likewise, the value of the current format for teachers’ professional development half-days — or “inservices” — could stand some independent scrutiny.

Still, Bennett’s dictum pre-empted any input from the districts. Most already have calendars set for 2009-10, after negotiating months ago with teacher unions. The districts now must find a way to schedule (and pay for) two days of teacher training, mandated by the state, while also fulfilling 180 days of classroom time for students.

The state superintendent encouraged the districts to get “creative.” Days altered because of two-hour weather delays will still qualify as full school days under law, Bennett concluded. Thus, schools can conduct teacher training during similar two-hour time slots rather than a half-day, said Cam Savage, spokesman for Bennett’s office. Parent-teacher conferences could occur in two-hour windows, too, he added.

Snow, extreme enough to cancel classes, could complicate that complicated alternative.

Some districts might just scrap parent-teacher conferences. That would be unfortunate. Those forums provide valuable discussion about kids.

Likewise, the state superintendent would have been wise to conduct similar discussions with district superintendents before handing down his decision on the school calendar. Some headaches and the appearance of heavy-handedness could have been avoided.