Sumner parents have the chance to hear about the school’s proposed alternative calendar switch directly from the source.

Sumner officials will host a parent meeting at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17  in Sumner’s gymnasium to explain the research process behind a proposed switch to a continuous calender, also known as a 45/15 schedule or a year-round program.

A 45/15 schedule means students would attend school for 45 school days, or about nine weeks, and then go on break for about 15 school days, or about three weeks. This means students would have multiple breaks with the same amount of vacation days as other Austin students. Sumner would have to start school earlier than other schools while ending the school year when the rest of the district does. This is to make sure the district’s rollover process in moving students through the district goes smoothly, according to Sumner Principal Sheila Berger.

Berger and other staff will explain Monday the research behind a 45/15 schedule and why district officials decided to pursue a different calendar schedule for Sumner students.

“It’s not necessarily debating the pros and cons of year-round school,” Berger said. “It’s to give (parents) information so that they can then determine what works best for their family. How they feel about whether it works or not for their family will affect how we move forward.”

To that end, every Sumner family will receive a survey asking their opinions about the issue. Sumner parents attending the meeting will receive the survey there, while those not present can expect a survey in the mail.

While there has been a lot of positive preliminary feedback, Berger said she and other school officials are still hearing from residents who think year-round school means students would literally go to school all year round, which is not the case. Some residents are concerned about how the alternative calendar would affect their child’s daycare schedule, and whether daycare providers would be accommodating. Berger said she’s heard concerns from families who have children in Sumner and in Ellis Middle School or Austin High Schol, and could have to figure out how to balance schedules. Many people Berger’s talked to like the idea of a 45/15 schedule, however.

“The majority of what I’ve heard is that educationally, it makes good sense,” Berger said.

Sumner staff will host community meetings some time in February, after school officials have received the survey results and see what Sumner parents feel. Community members could have the opportunity for open enrollment if some Sumner parents decide to put their kids in other schools. The schedule plan is expected to be finalized mid-March, according to Berger.

Sumner officials will make an official proposal to the Austin Public School Board by April, when the board sets the district’s schedule for next year. The board officially sanctioned Sumner staff efforts to research a calendar switch in November.

“The biggest concern is we’re on an agrarian calendar that makes no sense academically,” David Krenz, the district’s superintendent said during the board’s November special session meeting.