Shelby County Schools (SCS) Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray presented a recommendation for the 2021-22 Instructional Calendar during the March Board Work Session. After in-depth research and review by District staff along with multiple layers of input and feedback from community stakeholders, Dr. Ray requested the Board’s consideration to approve the instructional calendar option which has the first day of school slated to begin on August 9, 2021 with the school year ending on May 27, 2022 (for students) and June 2, 2022 (for teachers).
Several factors are taken into consideration when determining an instructional calendar that works best for the entire SCS community. In order to ensure calendars align with State law and Board policy, District staff conduct a thorough analysis of internal data.
In addition, SCS staff worked collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in the community to solicit input for next year’s instructional calendar. The stakeholder groups (Principals and ILDs, Central Office, Education Association Representatives, Teachers, Board Members, Students and Parents) met in January and February to provide feedback and insight concerning the calendar. Input from the community aligns with the District’s recommendation.
Several Board members shared concerns about teacher burnout for those educators who will teach camps throughout the summer and have a limited break.
“It was important that we consider the numbers of days that teachers receive for a break, said Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray.” “After hearing from teacher focus groups, a majority of educators preferred to begin school earlier. COVID-19 is a major factor as we consider drafting an instructional calendar. We are hopeful that our Reimagining 901 work helps resolve many of the systemic issues that have plagued the District for so long. The pandemic has pulled the covers back on these issues, many of which we are addressing immediately."
SCS encouraged parents/guardians, teachers, school administrators, central office staff, and school-based non-instructional employees to participate in the online Draft Instructional Calendar Feedback Survey which remained open from March 12 through March 19.
Two draft instructional calendars were presented to the community for input and feedback.
Calendar Option 1 - Semester 1
Calendar Option 1 - Semester 2
Calendar Option 2 - Semester 1
Calendar Option 2 - Semester 2
There were 10,371 persons who participated in the 2021-2022 Instructional Calendar Survey. According to the survey results, the majority of respondents support the August 9 Instructional Calendar.
Input provided from focus groups and the survey helped the District provide an instructional calendar recommendation. The calendar has been designed to provide teachers with the most significant opportunity to improve student learning and to offer students with an optimal learning experience.
The 2021-22 Instructional Calendar will be voted on by the School Board during the Business Meeting scheduled for April 6, 2021.
Click here to view details about both instructional calendar options.