KNOXVILLE (WVLT) – The Knox County School System’s 2009-2010 calendar was officially approved on Wednesday evening.

The biggest change is that the school year will begin one week later next year, with a half day on August 17th. To push it back, school board members had to reduce fall break from five days down to two. It also includes a three day Thanksgiving break which gives students the day before the holiday off.

“It's a compromise that not everyone will be thrilled with it," said Indya Kincannon, chairwoman of the school board.

After a lengthy public process, the board voted for the calendar that most members considered the most balanced of the proposals.

“It's a good compromise and it allows us to do what we need to do as student instruction,” said Dr. Jim McIntyre, Knox County Superintendent

The board also approved random searches starting next year. Policy for the 2008-2009 school year only allows officials to search suspicious students. Starting next year, they will be able to search student lockers, vehicles and other containers.

“We can't target particular kids, schools or parts of town,” said Kincannon. “It has got to be random."

Dr. McIntyre will decide when the searches will occur. Additionally, he is working on several other ideas which he will present to the school board at a later time.