Let’s face it.  Most parents work outside the home these days.  And, many of us hold down several jobs just to make ends meet.  You wouldn’t know it though if you took a quick glance at the District 65 school calendar.  This year alone, we had 26 holidays (including winter and spring break), 2 full-days off for parent/teacher conferences, 1 day off for a teacher in-service, and 4 half-days and 3 early dismissals for staff training.   Combined, we’re talking more than a month off, and this doesn’t even include summer recess. 

This week, the District 65 administration presented a proposal to the Program/Policy Committee of the school board that would seek to increase the number of early dismissal days from 3 to 5 during the 2006-2007 school year.  As a newly appointed member of the Calendar Committee, I argued against this, citing the undue burden on parents who have to scramble to patch together whatever childcare arrangements they can to cover those hours when school is not in session. 

No one can question the importance of bolstering the skills and knowledge of our dedicated teachers.  But, we also cannot ignore the realities of today’s workplace.  Except for those who work in our schools, most people don’t get anywhere near a month of vacation.  And, in fact, they are lucky if they get any paid time off at all.   Increasing the number of days our children are in school and creating a more consistent schedule would certainly ease some of the pressures parents face in juggling their work and care giving responsibilities.   And, it could also go a long way toward increasing the academic achievement of our students at a time when this is of growing concern.

It is incumbent upon the District 65 Board of Education (who will consider this issue further at its April 24th meeting) to take a long, hard look at the way our school calendar is structured to make it more effective for all stakeholders - teachers, students, working parents and the business community. While there are no doubt constraints that are placed upon us by state law, we have it within our power to develop innovative solutions where we can and to advocate for change if necessary.  As the saying goes, when there’s a will, there’s a way.

Rhonda Present
Founder & Director
ParentsWork

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