Saturday, February 20, 1999
Seniors protest graduation delay
Fairfield board cites snow days
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
FAIRFIELD — Those January “snow days” were fun while they lasted.
But now it's payback time, and Fairfield High School seniors aren't happy with the payment plan because it could mean postponing graduation.
Seniors' families received letters last week notifying them that graduation had been postponed from May 28 to June 7, so that seniors can make up two of the seven days of school lost during bad weather in January. Under Ohio law, students may miss up to five “calamity” days each school year; any more have to be made up.
More than half the senior class — 349 students — signed petitions objecting to the change in dates.
Senior class Vice President Daniel Wisler, who gave the petitions to the board Thursday, said the change would be a hardship for his classmates.
“The majority of the senior class has fixed plans,” Mr. Wisler said at the standing-room-only board meeting. “They cannot be changed.”
Parent Paul Dunn asked the board to use March 12, a day now scheduled as an off day for students and in-service day for teachers, as a makeup day. The second day could be made up by requiring seniors to attend classes graduation day, May 28.
“We are not asking that seniors go any less days,” Mr. Dunn said.
He said he was offended by what he termed “the royal runaround” he got when he called Superintendent Charles Wiedenmann to discuss the matter and was told to call high school Principal Monica Mitter. Her office referred him back to the superintendent's office.
When senior Kristina Dunn, Mr. Dunn's daughter, learned graduation had been postponed, making it difficult for out-of-town relatives to attend, she said she “nearly broke down in tears.”
“This incident will leave a lasting grudge,” Kristina said, hinting that it could affect elections or money issues the board may place on the ballot.
“I understand how devastating this could be, especially to travel,” said board member Ben Hubbard. “I'm not apathetic. I'm very concerned about this.”
Board members said they would make a decision at their March 4 meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. in the community room at the senior high school.
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