Carlisle Superintendent Responds to Concerns about Memorial Day Classes

PRICE � Authorities with the Carlisle Independent School District made the decision to hold classes on Memorial Day so the supporters of their baseball team can attend the playoffs in Austin, should the team continue to qualify. Our news partner KETK has been contacted by parents of CISD students who were concerned about the district’s decision, so the district’s superintendent, Michael Payne, was asked to respond. Payne says the decision was made “not as a slight to anyone who may be trying to observe Memorial Day with their family,” but in order to ensure that attendance on the last day of school would be as high as possible. “If the baseball team advances in the playoffs, many students will be making the trip to Austin to show their support,” Payne says.

Payne also says the district will not penalize any students whose family opts to keep them out of class either for observance of the holiday or due to pre-arranged plans. “We understand that Memorial Day is a day that many people use to get together with family and friends for reunions or other activities. We will not deny any student that opportunity.” Even if the team does not advance, school will still be held on Memorial Day. “The decision had to be made far enough in advance to notify parents,” Payne says. “Unfortunately, that meant it had to be made before we know if the team will qualify.”

Currently, the Carlisle baseball team is #1 in the state among 1A schools, having won 24 out of 25 games. The team’s next game will be Thursday, and then up to two games again on Saturday, for the best out of three games. They should know by end of the day Saturday whether they will advance to the next round. They must win this weekend and next weekend to advance to the state tournament, which will take place from June 5th-8th in Round Rock, TX. If any parents still have concerns or questions about the decision, they are asked to contact the principal of their child’s school.