During a recent work session, the Selma City School Board discussed the possibility of moving spring break from March 12 to 16 to March 26 to 30. During Thursday night’s regular meeting, the board made the move official through a unanimous vote.

The reason behind the move, interim superintendent Gerald Shirley said, is the Alabama High School Graduation Examination will be administered during the week of March 19 to 23.

The exam would have occurred the week students returned from spring break. Most school personnel felt students test results would be maximized if spring break were rescheduled.

Board member Brenda Obomanu said she feels testing students after a long layoff does not give them the opportunity to achieve at the highest level.

Board member Brenda Obomanu said because the test is so important, the board should approve the changes.

“We need to focus and think about Mr. Shirley’s recommendations that we change the date so that we can give our children every opportunity we can for them to succeed,” she said.

Strong performance on the graduation exam is crucial to the school system because it is figured in to the overall Average Yearly Progress numbers. These numbers are also a determining factor in funding.

In the future, board president Henry Hicks also asked the board to consider moving first-semester exams to the week before Christmas break.

The current format tests students shortly after they return.