Question of the Week: The School Calendar

The school calendar always provokes an interesting discussion, and it did again last Monday night .

There were two topics for discussion—what to do about half days and how to prevent school from ending on June 27.

The concern from board members was half days aren't productive for students and disrupt the school year. They also are concerned students won't be in classes the final week of school because of camp and other commitments. Also, what will happen for high school students who complete work in May after Advanced Placement exams?

The matter was referred to a committee for further review before the school board votes on the calendar. The school board meets again on Jan. 10.

What do you think school officials should do with the 2012-13 school calendar?

Should school officials do something that's never been done before—start school before Labor Day? Should they eliminate vacation days? Is there something else they should do to prevent school from ending so late? How should they handle half days?

Post your thoughts below and vote in our poll about the topic.

The board did approve a change to the 2011-12 calendar to properly list the days off for the NJEA convention. See the revised calendar at right.