Kettering and Centerville, two of the area’s largest school districts, have approved plans to start classes in mid-August and finish in late May for 2012-13 school year.

Kettering Superintendent James Schoenlein said the change was made primarily to give students more time to prepare for Ohio Achievement Assessments and other crucial tests.

“Nobody needs to have it explained as to how important (OAAs) are to us,” Schoenlein said. “But it also gives us more time in front of college entrance exams, the ACT, SAT, AP tests, (etc.)”

He said this calendar change could give Kettering students a two-week advantage over those in other districts and may translate into more scholarship money for them, and it could benefit students studying for the Ohio Graduation Test as well.

Centerville also cited test preparation as a factor in its altered schedule, and added that the district would be better aligned with Ohio universities switching to the semester system, allow teachers to complete semester exams before winter break and the increase in options for calamity days.

Mike Oaster, father of two Kettering elementary school students, said he would prefer a later start for vacation flexibility, but thinks local schools should be able to make their own plans rather than have the state dictate a schedule to them.

“When I first heard the date, I thought, wow, that’s early,” he said. “But if the school said we’re going to start Aug. 14, my kids will be there Aug. 14.”

While Kettering and Centerville are moving up their instruction periods, other districts have elected to delay their start dates.

Huber Heights City Schools recently altered its school calendar due to air-conditioning restraints and construction. While Huber started in mid-August last year, it will resume a more traditional calendar this year and start Aug. 29.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools has chosen to start Sept. 4, 2012 — as opposed Aug. 24 this year — to due to a lack of air conditioning and based on input from teachers and families.

Tipp City Superintendent John Kronour said he does not think his district’s test scores will fall behind due to the students’ later start.

“I am always concerned about our test scores, but we’re condensing some of our breaks and going two days longer,” Kronour said. “We won’t have a lot less days before the OAA testing, but they will be more quality days. And we will not be dealing with heat issues.”

Other districts, such as Oakwood and Beavercreek city schools, said they have not considered altering their calendars but are interested in whether allowing more instructional time before testing is a benefit.

“I like the idea behind it,” Beavercreek Superintendent Nick Verhoff said. “I’d be curious to see how it all plays out.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7325 or jikelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.