In addition to voting to move the sixth grade from Stevenson Elementary School to the middle school wing at Russellville High School, the Russellville school board also amended next year’s school calendar at least week’s meeting.

The new calendar takes the number of days for certified employees, which includes mostly teachers and administrators from 186 days to 185 days.

This will not affect the number of days students will be in school, but it does change when students will get out for the summer next year.

The change takes away one professional development day for teachers on Monday Oct. 8.

“That was the first day back after fall break,” Superintendent Leon Smith said.

That day was one in which teachers were to report to school, but not students.

Now, it will be just a regular school day.

“And that means we will get out a day earlier,” Smith said.

The last day of school was scheduled for Monday, May 20, but will now be Friday, May 17, 2013.

“That really helps that calendar with ending on a Friday instead of a Monday and everybody will be pleased with that,” Smith said.

The change will also save a little money for the district, which will be paying all its certified employees for one less day. But, that will also help in the district not eliminating any teaching jobs for the upcoming school year.

“The board wants very much to protect teachers and staff,” Smith said. “We know it’s a tough, but we’re pleased that we’re not having to lay off any certified staff this year.”