As Richardson ISD puts together its 2017-2018 academic calendar, it seeks input from the community and staff.

The board will consider three options, two of which include a Nov. 7 “professional development day” that excuses students from class. That’s in response to “community concerns about safety and security” on a day several RISD schools are used as polling locations.

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Last November, a neighborhood mom started a petition to “stop using schools as polling locations,” which 112 people signed.

According to a recent newsletter, “three options for the 2017-18 Student Academic Calendar are presented for community and staff input; each variation commences the academic year on August 21 and concludes on May 31, with the possibility of a snow make-up day on June 1. Under all options, Fair Day, a one-week break for Thanksgiving, and a minimum two-week break for the winter holiday are preserved, as in recent years.”

Differences between the three options and rationale, as well as where to weigh in, are included in the below links:

View Option 1

  • Closely resembles the current 2016-17 calendar
  • Professional development days are included on Oct. 6, Jan. 2 and Feb. 19.

View Option 2

  • Responds to community concerns about safety and security by excusing students for Election Day (November 7) and repurposing the day for staff development.
  • Professional development days are included on Oct. 6, Nov. 7 and Jan. 2.

View Option 3

  • Responds to community concerns about safety and security by excusing students for Election Day (November 7) and repurposing the day for staff development.
  • Professional development days are included on Nov. 7, Jan. 2 and Feb. 19.

Those with input may email risd@risd.org to share their thoughts by Dec. 15. The Board is expected to finalize the calendar in early 2017.

Watch the Board discussion
Provide feedback on 2017-18 calendar options