Moms Talk Q&A: Why the Shorter School Year?

The last day of school is June 3 so we have less than three weeks to go. School is ending earlier than usual this year to save money for our

Last spring every teacher, staff member and administrator voluntarily took three unpaid furlough days, so the school year will end with 177 instructional days instead of the usual 180.

Three days doesn't seem like it could make a big difference, but each unpaid work day equals $137,000. The shorter year is saving the district $411,000, money that helps to maintain vital programs and services for students.

BUSD was forced to make difficult decisions due California's budget crisis. A total of , so teachers and staff should be commended for sacrificing three days of income to help the district.

Teachers are not happy about having three fewer days of school, but how do parents feel about it?