2 school calendar options on table

Columbia County school board members last week got a first look at a proposed school calendar for 2011-12.

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School officials presented board members with two options that have only minor differences.

Both set Aug. 8 as the start date and May 18 as the last day. Both show the same dates for extended breaks for Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring.

They differ in that one calendar sets Jan. 2 as the first day of the second semester, while the other uses that day as a professional learning day for teachers. School would start back on Jan. 3.

While both calenders include Presidents Day on Feb. 20 as a school holiday, one sets Feb. 21 as a student holiday while teachers undergo professional learning.

Board members said they first want to seek input from principals and teachers before choosing one of the options.