Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden — With the exception of determining a graduation date and time, the Hayden School Board approved a complete 2003-04 school-year calendar Wednesday night.

Graduation day was scheduled for May 22, but Hayden High School Principal Nick Schafer said that was the weekend of the state track tournament. After some debate, the board planned to change the date to Sunday, May 23, at 1 p.m., but it is subject to change.

The school calendar includes 168 student/teacher contact days, 176 teacher contract days and 177 new-teacher contract days.

Job-sharing was also discussed when sixth-grade teacher Carrie Kleckler asked the board to consider a policy that would allow her and another teacher to share the full-time position next year, as she and her husband are expecting a baby.

Kleckler said she has considered several options for balancing family and career and wants to keep her career "moving in a positive direction."

"I very much want to continue teaching, and I feel a great deal of commitment to the middle school and my students," Kleckler said, "but I also want to be able to spend more time with my family than a full-time job would allow."

Kleckler also noted job-sharing has been done in both Moffat County and Steamboat Springs for years, and feedback has been positive.

Superintendent Scott Mader said he didn't have a problem with the proposal.

"As long as it doesn't cost any more money, I'm fine with it," Mader said.

Transportation issues were also discussed as the board considered shortening the current bus routes by implementing two Chevrolet Suburbans or Ford Excursions to pick up children living in the far reaches of town.

However, board member Brian Hoza said it might be more feasible for the district to purchase vans. After discussing fuel economy and capabilities for about 20 minutes, no conclusion was made.

No further developments in the land acquisition/exchange for the Breeze Basin intersection were made.

Also approved:

• An early retirement request for seventh- grade literacy teacher Phyllis Johnson.
• Dallas Robinson hired as high school wrestling coach.