Calendar changes for Bogalusa schools

The Bogalusa City School Board approved a 2009-2010 schedule that includes a week off for Mardi Gras, but the vote was not unanimous.

Both Raymond Mims and Paul Kates voted against the proposal, saying they had received calls from parents who were unhappy with that plan. But when board president Michael Applewhite asked for a viable alternative, none were forthcoming.

The schedule was chosen by a committee of educators from a group of five alternatives. The days off at Mardi Gras were prompted by the fact that the state pushed back the dates of its LEAP testing, and the faculty members wanted the students to have a break, but with enough time upon their return to properly prepare for the tests.

The first day of school for students will be August 6, 2009. The last day will be May 25, 2010.

The student holidays are Labor Day, Sept. 7; Fair Days, Oct. 21-23; Thanksgiving, Nov. 23-27; Christmas, Dec. 21-Jan. 1; Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 18; Mardi Gras, Feb. 15-19; Good Friday, April 2; and Spring Break, April 26-30.

The LEAP and GEE testing will take place April 12-16.