Cornell School Board; Early start date waiver approved for next year

Izzy Schwingle (left) and Grace Harycki were on-hand Sept. 26, to report to the Cornell School Board on what the Student Council has been up to since the start of the school year. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

It’s been batted back and forth for a few years, but now that parents seem to be on board with it, the Cornell School District is starting classes earlier than specified by the state. At the regular board meeting Sept. 26, during which a public hearing was held, members approved a waiver request for the school start date, in accordance with Administrative Code PI 27.03(3).

No parents were present at the hearing and board members reported they’ve heard nothing but positives about the early start (prior to Sept. 1), except from neighboring districts.

“I heard the pros and cons on both,” said clerk Eileen Sikora.

With the early start, Cornell gets out earlier in the spring, and in the fall, it’s a plus, because students are already back for sports practice and courses at CVTC.

Dave Elliott, middle/high school principal, says he likes the early start, as it gives them time to set the tone and get welcome back days out of the way.

“We establish routines and hit the ground running,” he said.

The board did decide to hold off on exactly when the start date would be, so they can study the calendar more before giving an answer. Elliott and superintendent Paul Schley said that was fine, but reminded the board the decision needs to happen before the end of the year.

“Remember, people plan vacations a year ahead of time,” said Elliott.

Members also approved the hire of Erica Helland as the middle school girls basketball coach.

Elliott says Student Council is really going well, with new adviser, Ben Tillotson.

“He wants them to be leaders with his assistance and not his minions,” said Elliott.

Tillotson is so well-liked, that he’s been asked to start a Chess Club. Elliott said they have talked about it and Chief Time 2 would be a good time slot in the school day to allow that to happen.

If the charter takes off, Elliott said Cornell may even invite neighboring districts for a tournament.

“I like the strategy-based learning and that is definitely part of that,” said Elliott.

As a notice, the annual board meeting will take place Monday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m., with the regular meeting to follow.