Parkland School Board recently approved the 2019-20 district calendar.

Although staff will report for professional development the last week in August, the first day for students will be on Sept. 3.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak said the calendar follows the same pattern as previous years.

He noted the district tries to create a common calendar with Lehigh Career and Technical Institute so both schools generally follow the same schedule.

The calendar designates 183 days for students and 190 for teachers.

The first three instructional days lost due to inclement weather will be made up as professional development days.

Beyond that, makeup days will be Feb. 14, April 9, June 15 and June 16 in 2020.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rodney Troutman said having the calendar approved now enables families and staff to plan vacation time and gives the district an opportunity to reserve its graduation date for the venue and to make sure seniors have all of their required class time covered.

The board also approved five official local school district holidays: the Friday after Thanksgiving, Dec. 24, Dec. 31, Presidents Day Monday, and the Friday of spring break.

“Since these are designated holidays, we can’t use them for makeup days,” Troutman said.

Looking ahead to this summer, the board approved the summer elementary library program for June 25-Aug. 8. The libraries will be closed the week of July 1-5.

Lauren Will and Caitlin Budge were approved as library media specialists for the summer.

All of the elementary schools will have designated library hours, except Kernsville which will use the Schnecksville library this year due to roof work at the school which could impact the library room.

In a personnel matter, the board approved Paul Frantz as garage foreman to replace Andrew Hargrove who had a change of status.

The superintendent commented on Frantz’s move from his previous job of garage mechanic helper.

“He’s a longtime employee who was instrumental in getting our fleet back together after the fire last year,” Sniscak said.