Board of Ed.: Skipping School During Spring Break not an Option

The Suffield Board of Education is cautioning parents and employees against skipping school during days that were originally scheduled as spring break but added back to the schedule in light of the spate of snow days this winter.

The board’s position should be clear, said board member Michael Smith at the March 1 meeting: "...all students and employees are obliged to attend.”

Some employees and families are left scrambling to rearrange plans since a decision was made to take days from April vacation due to excessive snow cancellations during the winter. School will be held April 18, 19 and 20, originally part of the vacation. Spring break will only be two days, April 21 and 22. In addition June 16 and 17 will also be held as legal school days.

Board member Jeanne Gee said she understands the quandary some people face when canceling previous plans, but also pointed out the district calendar includes language about possible changes to Spring Break.

Member Lori D’Ostuni said that while it’s difficult to impose a zero-tolerance policy, any individual cases for time off should refer to the superintendent.

For instance, Passover, which lasts a week, begins on April 18.

Mary Greenlaw-Dixon, interim superintendent of schools, said she is hopeful there won’t be any issues.

“You’re contracted for 187 days and you’re expected to be here as teachers," she said.

Suffield’s academic calendar has 183 class days, three more than the 180 required by state law. Staff are contracted for four professional development days, bringing their total to 187 days. Those extra days provide some flexibility in rescheduling to make up for snow days.

Smith noted that any teachers who might think of calling in sick “should look at their professionalism.”