Potential changes to the traditional school calendar are being considered in the Fraser Cascade district.
Beginning this school year, it is now up to each district to establish a calendar, opening the door to non-conventional models.
At their most recent board meeting, district trustees voted to open public discussion regarding the school year.
Dr. Karen Nelson, superintendent of schools, proposed three separate options, brought forward through the education committee. The first is to remain the same, with the two week spring break. The second is to build a ‘balanced’ calendar, with three months of school instruction followed by one month off, on a continual basis.
The third option is to begin school a week prior to Labour Day, with an added week at either the winter or spring break.
Trustee Tom Hendrickson said the idea of changing the school year is “unbelievable.”
“We are the envy of the world,” he said of the current school calendar.
However, Trustee Rose Tustian said she’s open to trying a new system.
“I think it would be good to do district wide,” she said. “We’re already doing a lot of really cool things in our district, really cutting edge.”
Adopting a new calendar could attract families looking for a change, she added.
The district will be seeking public input through several different avenues, including an open house. Watch this newspaper for details.
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