The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Last week, Big Sandy Schools let out midday on Wednesday and did not have classes on Thursday. The school calendar identified these as MEA Teachers’ Conference days, though at other times throughout the school year, they are labeled “In-Service” days. I am sure I’m not alone in wondering what in-service days are and why schools shut down for the MEA Teachers’ Conference. I spoke with Big Sandy Superintendent Dan Schrock about the scheduled days.

“The state says you have to have a certain number of pupil-instruction-related days or what we call PIR days.” PIR days are mandator...