School districts across the province, including School District 43 and Vancouver, are lengthening the school day and extending spring break by an extra week to save money.
What was a temporary solution to funding shortfalls is quickly becoming a tradition because it's hard to cut holidays once they've been established and the financial savings aren't meagre. SD43 expects to save about $400,000 and Vancouver about $1.2 million with the longer break.
But what are the educational benefits, if any? Does the longer break result in reduced stress and fewer sick days or are students being forced to learn more in less time?
Who knows? These decisions are being made to save money, not for educational purposes. And that's too bad.
More analysis and discussion would give the public some comfort that these decisions are being made with educational goals, not just dollar signs, in mind.
What do you think?Do you support spring breakpermanently being two weeks long in School District 43? Vote in our online poll (scroll down on the main page; question is on the left side).
