Parents can mark their calendars – officially this time.

The Troy City Schools Board of Education voted Monday night to approve a school calendar that falls within the new parameters set by the Alabama Legislature.

Students will now begin classes on Aug. 20 and will end the school year on May 24, 2013. That bumps the start date back from Aug. 13, which was originally approved by the board.

“It will take us down to 175 days of instruction,” said Superintendent Lee Hicks, noting that the school will still be in session about 1123 hours, well over the 1080 hours mandated by the state.

While instructional days kick in toward the end of the month, teachers will begin work on Aug. 6.  All previously announced breaks and holidays will remain the same.

Also at the school board meeting: Dr. Judson Edwards was appointed president of the board and Wally Lowery is now vice president; the board voted to approve the retirement of Dejerilyn Henderson and Connie McCrary (both first-grade teachers); the board awarded a $303,381 bid to Hawk, Inc. of Montgomery for Charles Henderson High School food service equipment; and Borden will provide milk, Blue Bell will provide ice cream, Earth Grains will provide bread and Meeks Pest Control will take care of extermination issues as part of contracts awarded.