Peoria Public Schools is considering changes to the calendar to adjust for educational deficiencies resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Dr. Sandra Wilson presented a plan to the school board Monday night to revisit the feasibility of a “balanced calendar” to make up for instructional challenges encountered during the current school year.
The balanced calendar would include a shorter summer break and other adjustments leading to a more even flow between instructional days and days off. After the district’s difficult experience this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kherat is hoping to bring students back on track with an extensive plan.
“The important point is (that) we have to create, for Peoria Public Schools children, a comprehensive recovery and rebuilding approach that takes the long view,” said Kherat. “An approach that is robust and multifaceted, connecting academics, social-emotional interventions and much more.”
A balanced calendar was first introduced by committee in 2017, but the plans were put on hold after the district’s infrastructure was deemed unable to support increased attendance in warmer months, primarily due to a lack of air conditioning in older buildings.
A number of building renovations are set to be completed in August, making a balanced calendar for the 2021-22 school year a potential reality. With the “learning loss” incurred by students across the district due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson asserts an updated calendar will make it easier for students to be reached and caught up to speed.
“During those 15 days off, school districts can do a lot of things,” said Wilson. “Our intent is to have 15 days...to provide intense academic intervention...that is ongoing throughout the year as opposed to after the learning takes place in the summer.”
With these changes on the horizon, Kherat assured the board that community input would be crucial in making final decisions about any calendar updates.
“The committee’s process will feature lots of listen-in and learn-in from various stakeholders,” she said. “The committee’s work will be very comprehensive and very inclusive.”
A timeline presented by Wilson aims to have town hall meetings on the subject in March, following an online survey for parents and staff. The committee’s goal is that the board will vote on a new balanced calendar in April.
“It’s a big decision and it changes the lives of several,” said Wilson. “We want to make sure that we don't miss any points."
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