Geary USD 475 and Junction City Education Association leaders are discussing a preliminary proposal for an Aug. 31 starting date for student classes in the new school year.
Governor Kelly had proposed a Sept. 9 starting date but when the State Board of Education failed to affirm that decision it was left up to individual school districts to determine when their new school year would begin. USD 475 had previously been scheduled to start student classes on Aug. 17 but that is now subject to possible change.
Dr. Reginald Eggleston addressed the issue Thursday afternoon. "Well at the present moment we're working with our teacher's union, JCEA, and potentially looking at the 31st ( Aug. ). However we just have to work out some particulars at this time. I know we had a Zoom ( meeting ) with the union and it was out there for everyone to see and be part of the discussion."
Eggleston stressed that the date is a preliminary proposal. "We're just going to wait to see if we are able to work through all of the particulars in order to clean up the calendar and make a proposal hopefully to the Board of Education. It's very preliminary, somewhat cautious about even putting it out there at this time because we still just have to go through some more discussions." The proposal could go to the Board of Education Tuesday evening.
Covid-19 positive cases have been on the rise in Kansas including in Geary County.
The school district is awaiting guidance from the Kansas State High School Activities Association on what to expect for fall activities for the upcoming school year, explained Eggleston. "We are anxious and excited about if there are any adjustments that may need to be made so that we can go ahead and communicate that to all of our parents."
The Superintendent noted that some parents are hesitant to register their students because they're wanting to know if students can participate in athletics or extracurricular activities if they select the remote or virtual learning option for their student for the upcoming school year. "That's part of the guidance we are awaiting from the Athletic Association." The superintendent is hoping to provide information to parents within the next five to seven days.
Fall sports were scheduled to begin in Kansas on Aug.17, but it remains to be seen what modifications, if any, to that schedule might possibly be made by KSHSAA.