Richmond Public Schools is considering a fourth option in adjusting the academic calendar for the 2022-23 school year.

RPS Chief Engagement Officer Shadae Harris presented the latest option for the School Board’s consideration at Monday night’s meeting.

The board wanted a more traditional option to consider in addition to the three options presented in past meetings. Superintendent Jason Kamras called for the possible extension of the school year to help students catch up academically following the disruptions from the pandemic.

Mr. Kamras wants to include more student instructional time and teacher planning time in order as help students close learning gaps caused by 19 months of virtual learning. Those gaps were revealed after recent state growth assessment scores showed low proficiency levels in reading and math for third- through eighth-graders in Richmond and throughout the Commonwealth.

The latest, Option D, calls for students to attend classes for 179 days, compared with the current 180 days – from Aug. 29 to June 23. Teachers would report to work for 191 days.

Mr. Kamras said Option D would come at no additional cost to RPS.

Options A and B would add 10 days to the school year, while Option C would add 14 days.

Under Option A, schools would open Aug. 15 and close June 23. Schools would open Aug. 22 and close on June 30, under Option B, and would open Aug. 15 and close June 29 under Plan C’s addition of three, weeklong “intersessions” throughout the school year targeting students who need additional help.

The three initial options are projected to cost an additional $8 million to $13 million annually, which could be funded by federal aid for two years. More money would need to be secured after two years.

RPS wants feedback on the possible school calendar changes from parents and other stakeholders. Already, more than 3,000 people have responded to an online survey, which opened on Nov. 29. The survey closes Dec. 24.

To request a survey, email outreach@rvaschool.net. All surveys answers are anonymous and personal information will not be shared.