Board puts off vote on school calendar

They were supposed to vote on the school calendar for next year. I am for having the semester end before winter break but not so crazy about our children being in school on voting day. Here are some bits from the Florida Today article.. Link to entire article.

Despite an option that district staff said had "overwhelming" support from teachers and principals, the board put off the decision until its May 13 meeting.

Board members said they supported the portion of the plan that moves first-semester exams to before the holiday break, but still took issue with when teachers' professional development days are held. Board Chairwoman Janice Kershaw argued that the decision should be made immediately. "We should do it now," she said. "Are we going to entertain changes every time we look at it?"

Janet Eastman, vice president of Brevard Federation of Teachers, requested Tuesday night that Oct. 17 be scheduled as a student holiday, so that district teachers can participate in statewide training and conferences.

The union wants Nov. 26, the day before Thanksgiving, to be a regular school day. In years past, students had this day off for Thanksgiving travel plans.

"This year, everyone is going to be reluctant to approve travel," DiPatri said.