INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – Among the items to be discussed at the school board meeting this evening is one to consider adjusting the start of the school year to early August that has many parents up in arms to prevent from happening.
There has been e-mail traffic circulating asking parents to attend to show their concern about moving the start time ahead to allow students to take their final exams before the winter break over concern that taking the test after the holidays leads to lower scores.
Those against the move – a group that includes most of the e-mail writers – want to keep the summer break intact for children and families. The scheduling item appears under the “Discussion” portion of the meeting, meaning that while School Board members will review the proposal, they will not vote on the item tonight.
One of the hurdles the School Board would have to clear if it were to move forward with adjusting the calendar is to ask for a waiver from the state for an early start.
Under current Florida law, the schools year can start no earlier than two weeks before Labor Day.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Teacher Education Center (TEC), 1990 25th Street, Vero Beach. It should also be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 28 for those who receive that service.
What do you think? Is it a good idea to move the start of the school year to early August? Provide your thoughts in the Comment section below.
