By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Looking ahead to a new school year, the Parkland School Board approved the calendar for the 2023-24 term.

First day of school for students will be Aug. 28. The last day will be June 7, 2024.

Students will have 183 scheduled days. Teachers will start on Aug. 22 and will have 190 days.

At a February committee meeting, Assistant Superintendent Tim Chorones reported a change in time for early dismissal from 1 p.m. to 11 a.m. for middle school and high school, and from 1:45 p.m. to 11:45 a.m. elementary schools.

He noted the need for additional staff hours to cover increased training mandates.

The number of early dismissal days will remain the same.

Chorones said students will have the option to take a bagged lunch home on early dismissal days.

He explained a change in the November kindergarten through grade eight conferences will include evening time slots for working parents.

On another topic, the board adopted a resolution designating five official local school district holidays which will be Nov. 24 and Dec. 22 and 29, and Feb. 19, 2024, and March 29, 2024.

On those days, schools will remain closed and cannot be used for making up snow days or for any other purpose.

In another matter, the board approved a revision of the district’s Health and Safety Plan for the 2022-23 school year.

School board Director Patrick Foose commented on this item.

“Under current conditions, we no longer need to have this plan in place. I will vote no,” Foose said.

Board President Carol Facchiano stated the district is required to do it.

At a recent committee meeting, Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson reported the district is required by law to review and approve the plan every six months.

“There were minimal changes made to the documents,” Madson said.