San Diego School Board Votes for Traditional Schedule

A proposal to align traditional and year-round schools on same calendar

San Diego Unified School District trustees unanimously approved moving its schools and more than 132,000 students to a traditional schedule over the next few years.

The district voted Tuesday to implement the first phase that will move year-round schools onto the traditional schedule. The transition will continue until all schools follow one district-wide calendar.

In a separate matter considered Tuesday, the board discussed two proposals to change the school year's start date to either August or Sept 8. However, several parents at the meeting expressed frustration about not being informed about the potential date change.

Instead, the board voted to maintain the status quo -- Sept. 8 -- for the start of the 2015-16 school year and accept public comment on the issue. They will meet again within 90 days to discuss a possible change for the 2016-17 year.

β€œThere was no outreach,” said parent Heather Worms who was upset a task force focusing on the calendar changes hasn’t shared information so parents can make an informed decision.

β€œThe calendar committee actually voted not to survey parents. They chose not to ask the people they supposedly represent. And I have a real issue with that.”

According to the meeting agenda, a recent phone survey conducted in November suggests 45 percent of the 31,000 homes polled preferred Sept. 8 as a start date.

Click here for proposed calendar with Aug. 31 start date

Click here for calendar with Sept. 8 start date

At first, 15 schools will shift including Dewey, Ericson, Farb, Hancock, Hardy, Jerabek, Johnson, Mason, Miller, Porter, Sequoia, Tierrasanta, Valencia Park and Walker elementaries, and Knox Middle School.

One principal told NBC 7 a common traditional school year is helpful to military families whose children often miss the end of the school year when their parents get moving orders.

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