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School start date forum held ahead of vote

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Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) – Both sides of the Sioux Falls School start date had their time to drum up support for their cause on Wednesday night at a forum sponsored by the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, League of Women Voters, and SFEA. Panelists included Roosevelt student Kyle Seimers, Barb Newitt, and Adam Morrison arguing against the change, and Wendy McDonnel and Rhonda Lockwood arguing for the change. Each side was allowed one student representative, however those in favor of the “No” vote didn’t have one present.

Seimers began her opening statement by saying the change in the start date would greatly affect student activities, particularly sports “While the Sioux Falls School calendar might change, the SDHSAA calendar won’t.” Meaning practices would start at the same time, ending the summer for many students well before school would start. She added that nearly a quarter of football games and half of the soccer matches for each school would be played before students report for class.

Lincoln High School teacher Adam Morrison said the current calendar just works. “Our schedule provides a competitive advantage for students on tests regulated by the College Board. The board writes those tests and sets their dates nationally, they cannot be changed locally.” He said, adding a change in schedule would affect nearly 1,200 students who plan to take those tests for college placement.

Wendy McDonnel, who spearheaded the petition drive last spring, said this all came about because those in charge failed to hold an open dialogue on the issue. “There was plenty of time to compromise, talk to the parents and families and survey them, [but] that was ignored,” McDonnel said as part of her opening statement. Lockwood added that she feels confident that the kids will get a quality education, no matter when school opens; saying education begins with the parents.

Next week’s ballot has been called somewhat confusing, those wishing to leave the school calendar as it is should vote “Yes”, while those in favor of a later start date need to vote “No.”


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