The Bryan ISD school board casts a rare split vote.
Monday’s four to two vote supported the administration’s recommendation to move a teacher development day from April 2024 to October 2023.
BISD counseling director Donna Willett, who is lead administrator in charge of the school calendar, said they learned in February that the state moved up STAAR and end of course testing by two weeks.
The state’s revised schedule conflicted with a half day previously approved by the board for teacher development.
After administrative meetings, the board was asked on Monday to combine the April half day with another half day that was set in October 2023. That would give students one whole day off instead of two half-days.
Voting no were Mark McCall…who expected push back from parents who previously opposed BISD scheduling a fall break in October, and Felicia Benford…who had questions about child care and transportation.
Among those voting yes, board president Julie Harlin and Leo Gonzalez both said it was better to inconvenience families for one full day rather than two half-days.
Also voting yes were David Stasny and Ruthie Waller.
Deidra Davis did not attend Monday’s meeting.
Click below for comments from the June 5, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.