Flagler School Superintendent Delbrugge Responds Favorably to Jewish Students

Bill Delbrugge, Superintendent of Flagler County Public Schools, in a September 17th communication to Temple Beth Shalom's Rabbi Merrill Shapiro, indicated that "we at the school district support your Temple and we want to encourage our students to worship their faith at special events." Delbrugge is responding to inquiries from local Jewish students concerned about the work they might miss while celebrating Jewish holy days that fall on days of required attendance at Flagler County Public Schools.

Delbrugge went on to suggest that "the best way for this to go as smooth as possible for the students is to have them speak with their teachers" in advance of days to be missed. Delbrugge suggested that this is a common event and that "we will always help students make up any missed assignments. For the absences to be excused all the student will need to do is have their parents write a note about the event at the Temple and the school will take care of everything else."

Flagler County students had expressed deep concerns about the penalties associated with the observance of religious holy days and Jewish students were afraid to miss classes to celebrate Rosh HaShannah, the Jewish New Year. Delbrugge has allayed those fears and says that he and the schools "will be glad to help" handle any problems that arise.

The key is communication! Students and their families are urged to let schools and teachers know, in writing, that they will be absent for religious observances well in advance. Only then can proper planning allow the process to handle such absences in stride.