Flexible School Calendar Fixed

..for now, at least. This is the word from School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA).  There is a general consensus that the FY14 Appropriations Act, which, due to our fiscal year, extends into the 2014-15 school year, gives clear authority to local school systems to establish calendars that include either 180 days or 1080 hours. Several systems throughout the state have already adopted calendars for 2014-15 utilizing the flexible calendar option, with students attending fewer than 180 days. Based on inquiries  that SSA has has received, many others are considering it. Teachers must still work 187 days and other employees must also work their full number of contract days.  Here are a few things to keep in mind: The current authorization is only good for the 2014-15 school year. SSA and the ALSDE are working with legislative leadership to make this authorization permanent.  No additional authorization will be required for the 2014-15 school year. Whenever a system considers changing the length of the school day, it must be mindful of Fair Labor Standards Act requirements.  While neither the SBoE nor SDE "approve local calendars, systems are required to file the adopted calendar with SDE. This deadline is still several months away.