Austin Public Schools isn’t done discussing options for an alternate school calendar.

Last month, Austin’s Calendar Work Group recommended the Austin Public Schools Board not make any changes to the district calendar or the start time right now. But in a Monday work session, board members voiced interest in continuing discussions and educational efforts surrounding how an alternate school calendar could potentially impact Austin students.

“There was so much interest in the idea of the calendar change, I just thought it warranted some discussion,” board Chairwoman Angie Goetz said.

After about 45 minutes of discussion, the board is primed to continue talks.

“Yes, we still want to look at the calendar, we still want to see what our opportunities are,” board member Kathy Green said.

Austin Public Schools Board members, with Don Fox and Peggy Young absent, favored continuing work, research and discussions on an alternate district calendar, but board members aren’t in any rush.

They plan to continue discussions at a future work session, likely in June.

Austin school leaders have discussed alternate calendar options the last few years after Sumner Elementary School and a few Woodson Kindergarten Center classes switched to the 45/15 schedule. The 45/15 calendar replaces the traditional, longer summer break with a shortened summer vacation and shorter breaks throughout the school year. A key idea is to help prevent students from forgetting school lessons over the summer, which especially helps students facing challenges.

The Calendar Work Group surveyed the public and studied options, ultimately recommending no change after considering several factors. One was a district survey on the calendar, which received 1,252 responses — 56 percent identified as parents. The survey results showed a slight favorability toward a balanced calendar, with 49 percent in favor, 38 percent opposed and 13 percent neutral.

But the board voiced some reservations about whether survey represented the entire district, especially since the respondents didn’t represent Austin’s student population. More than 90 percent of the respondents identified themselves as white, while Austin’s student body consists of more than 40 percent students of color.

Educational Services Director John Alberts recommended the board take steps to inform the public about calendar options in an unbiased manner as it continues discussions and seeks additional feedback.

Superintendent David Krenz said he and school leaders could present to service clubs and places like the Mower County Senior Center as a way to educate the public and seek more feedback.

Goetz, who recalled being intrigued by calendar options like 45/15 when she first heard of them, questioned if parents and community members could more thoroughly discuss calendar options if they have a sample calendar.

In its most recent discussions, the district surveyed parents and community members about general calendar changes without giving firm examples, such as Sumner’s 45/15 model or another plan. Goetz feared not giving examples may have been too nebulous. She said parents may have different opinions if they can see an example of how an alternate calendar would work for the district.

Board member Mary Jane Kestner noted discussions are worth continuing, especially after research has shown calendar options would help many students, especially those on free and reduced lunch and English as a Second Language students.

“We have a huge amount of kids that would really benefit,” she said.

Green note the Austin district is known for trying new things, and she said the alternate calendar may be another chance for an innovate approach that could enhance learning opportunities.

“I think this all leads to a tremendous opportunity,” Green said.

The board took no action Monday, but discussions will continue at future meetings.