Loudoun County schools could see start times change by two hours on 16 days in the next school year to allow teachers to complete required training.
The additional training is needed because of changes prompted by the Virginia Literacy Act and new math and English standards on the Standards of Learning tests. The new SOL testing changes go into effect for the 2024–2025 school year.
Kindergarten through eighth grade teachers need to complete up to 27 hours of required training. Superintendent Aaron Spence told the school board on Tuesday that, while teachers get three professional days, he’s concerned there will not be enough time to complete the newly required training.
“In my entire career in education in Virginia, I have never quite seen so many expectations placed on school divisions at one time to deliver on with our teachers and prepare our teachers for,” Spence told the board.
Under the proposed calendar, students would come in two hours late on 16 Wednesdays, while teachers would use that time for the training.
The calendar would adjust school times on the following days:
- September 11
- September 18
- October 9
- October 23
- November 13
- November 20
- January 8
- January 15
- February 5
- February 12
- March 5
- March 26
- April 9
- April 23
- May 14
- May 21
The proposal calls for schools to have grab-and-go breakfasts on those days and for transportation to be adjusted accordingly.
The school year would begin on Wednesday, August 14, and end on Friday, June 20.
The changes will be recommended at the May 28 school board meeting.
Feature image courtesy Loudoun County Public Schools
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