Savannah Schools Announce Changes to Academic Calendar Due to Hurricane Challenges

Savannah Schools Adjust Academic Calendar Amid Hurricane Disruptions

As the winds and rains of Hurricane Milton swept through Florida, the effects of earlier storms, like Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene, were still causing ripples here in Savannah. In a recent meeting held on Wednesday, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) made the important decision to waive six school days for the 2024-2025 academic year due to disruptions caused by these storms.

Understanding the Waiver Decision

During the October Regular Board meeting, the Board of Public Education discussed item 7.33, which was the recommendation to waive certain school days. The board heard that missing these days right at the start of the school year and toward the end of the first quarter would be quite disruptive. To keep things running smoothly, district staff felt it was best to allow for this waiver. After due deliberation, the board passed this recommendation with a strong seven votes in favor, while a couple of representatives had varying levels of participation.

Transitioning to E-Learning Days

To mitigate losses in learning, the district also converted four days (Sept. 27, Oct. 1, Oct. 2, and Oct. 10) into e-learning days due to the hurricanes. There’s been some curiosity about what exactly constitutes an e-learning day, but it seems the district is still crafting a clear definition. One reassuring point is that students won’t face penalties if they can’t participate due to power outages or connectivity issues. Communication from SCCPSS mentioned that “extended and alternative opportunities” would be provided for students to catch up on any assignments during these challenging times.

Graduation Rates Under Review

On top of weather-related interruptions, the SCCPSS has had some mixed news regarding graduation rates. While Georgia celebrated an all-time-high graduation rate of 85.4%, the SCCPSS reported a drop to 86.8% this year, down from 89.1% last year. Out of a total of 2,335 high school students, unfortunately, 308 did not graduate this past May. Despite the drop, the district’s rate still outshined the state’s for the tenth consecutive year, which is something to highlight.

Focus on Literacy Improvement

In talking numbers, the latest session also highlighted the district’s goal for improving third graders’ reading levels. Currently, 58% of SCCPSS third graders are reading at grade level, up 1% from the previous year. There’s an ambitious target set for 65% by the end of the 2026 academic year. The importance of third-grade reading cannot be understated. It’s a crucial period that transitions students from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” which significantly impacts their overall educational journey and future opportunities.

Addressing Student Discipline and Safety Measures

Another topic of discussion was student discipline, for which the weighted suspension rate (WSR) has seen a slight decrease, showing promise in maintaining a conducive learning environment. Areas of concern, however, still exist, particularly around behaviors like fighting and attendance issues, which are visibly impacting the learning atmosphere in various schools.

In light of recent safety threats and concerns that have swept across schools nationwide, the Board of Education passed the microphone to Lt. Justin Pratt from the Board of Education Police Department. He provided a solid overview of multiple safety and security investments made over the last several years. This layered approach to security is designed to keep students safe and secure during both the regular school day and times of emergency.

Looking Ahead

As we move deeper into October, the SCCPSS community faces unique challenges and opportunities in these unprecedented times. Changes in the academic calendar, a renewed focus on literacy, and a push for improved student safety all come together to shape an evolving educational landscape. As updates continue to unfold, the community remains steadfast in its commitment to not only maintain educational standards but also to prioritize the safety and well-being of its students.