School Calendar Has Post-Labor Day Childcare Gap

Students' first day next school year is the Thursday after Labor Day, which could pose a childcare issue for some working parents who will need to line up two days of childcare after the Monday holiday.

One parent said it's difficult to take time off after the holiday, and summer camps will be closed.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Rossi said during Tuesday's meeting the situation arises for a few reasons:

• Sept. 1 is a Saturday
• Teachers contractually can't work before September, so Sept. 3 is the first day they can start
• The district sees two in-service days as necessary to prepare classrooms, learn about new state mandates and go over district goals and initiatives for the year.

The calendar was approved Tuesday by a 7-1 vote. Board member Kevin Blair cast the "No" vote. He said he wanted the district to give students a full week off in February, something resident Steve Wells also advocated for as an important time for students to rest.

The calendar has been posted on the district website.