Fulton Sun

After four years, Fulton Public Schools will be getting rid of early release Wednesdays for the 2012-13 school year.

The Fulton School Board approved a revised calendar for next year during its regular meeting Wednesday night that would switch instead to six full professional development days.

Assistant Superintendent Suzanne Hull said the change was spurred by the results of the annual district professional development evaluations.

“The majority of the feedback was requests for full day professional development days,” Hull said. “The reason for that is that by the time we really get started (with professional development on early-release Wednesdays), it’s time to stop.”

The newly revised calendar — which Hull said was supported by 79 percent of certified staff — spreads the six full off days across six months. Teachers will remain contracted for a total of 181 days, with 171 attendance days for students. She said daily schedules in all buildings will be adjusted in order to provide equitable instruction across the district.

“The state requires 1,044 instruction hours per year,” Hull said. “(With the changes) we should have at least 1,111.5 instruction hours.”

Board member Rodney Latty had only one question.

“So the end result is not going to be we have less instruction time?” Latty asked.

“No, they’ll have more,” Hull replied.

Also during Wednesday night’s meeting, the board honored departing member Rick Gohring for his 21 years of service to the district.

“Since his first election in 1991, Mr. Gohring has guided the district through many improvements,” Board President Scott King said, noting the district has passed two tax levies, four bond issues, expanded all of its buildings and built a new athletic complex all during his tenure. “His leadership and guidance will be greatly missed.”