Dear Catoosa families and community members,
I am writing to provide an important update regarding our school calendar for the upcoming year. After careful consideration, I have decided to pause any major changes to our calendar at this time, in light of the possibility that state leaders will once again introduce legislation that could limit school districts’ use of virtual learning days.
During the 2024 legislative session, the Oklahoma State Senate passed Senate Bill 1768, which would have restricted the use of virtual (at-home) learning days to instances of inclement weather or operational issues, such as staff shortages or building closures due to maintenance. Although the bill did not become law - since it was not heard in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives - we anticipate that similar legislation will be reintroduced during the 2025 session, which begins in February. If this bill passes both the House and Senate and is signed into law, it could require our district to adopt a traditional five-day school week.
As a district, we’ve navigated through significant changes before, and I know that even necessary adjustments can be challenging and disruptive. Given the uncertainty surrounding potential state-mandated changes to our calendar, I believe it is best to maintain our current course for now, in order to make the least disruptive decision for our students, staff, and families. Therefore, the Catoosa Board of Education will consider and vote on the 2025-2026 school calendar at its upcoming meeting on Monday. This proposed calendar will largely mirror the current school year's schedule. However, due to the timing of the legislative session, it is possible that the Board may need to revisit and revise the calendar as late as June 2025, depending on the outcome of any legislative changes.
I deeply appreciate the feedback I’ve received from families, students, and staff over the past few weeks - whether in support of or in opposition to proposed changes. As always, I encourage and value your input. I make it a priority to read your emails, comments, and messages on social media, and I am grateful for your engagement.
I will continue to keep you informed as we learn more, especially once the legislative session begins next month.
In service,
Robert Schornick