Second of two parts
Re “When Should the School Year Begin?”
No textbook is available on the best date to open the school year.
It is a moveable feast in Culver City, and the nearby clatter you have been hearing emanates from the mouths of parents protesting a still-to-be-finalized plan to begin on Aug. 15.
Culver City schools opened this year on Monday, Aug. 30, one week before Labor Day, the favored point of reference. But there is no assurance it will match that schedule next year, although once again Labor Day arrives relatively late, on Sept. 5.
“In this community,” says Culver City Interim Supt. Patty Jaffe, “many times parents want to start after Labor Day.” Ms. Jaffe is the quintessential expert in the community, this being her 41st year in the system.
Scott Zeidman, on the brink of being elected President of the School Board for the next 12 months, says the rule of both of his thumbs “is to do the opposite of LAUSD. Usually you will be right.”
From Different Perspectives
The principal distinction in the two viewpoints is political. Ms. Jaffe has many more constituencies to mollify.
“The last few years, our schedule has varied,” the Super told the newspaper. “This year we started in August, but next year I think they are looking at starting after Labor Day. Depends when Labor Day falls. If it is late, we start in August.
“The opening depends on the Calendar Committee, and don’t forget that this is negotiable.”
The Teachers Union and the Classified Employees have the final say, at the ballot box.
“They negotiate the beginning date and the ending date,” Ms. Jaffe says.
When Ms. Jaffe came to Culver City directly out of university in 1970, Opening Day was so reliable you could set your wristwatch by it. “Always after Labor Day,” the Super says. “As I remember, we always came back the day after Labor Day.”
So why did it need to change?
“Finishing earlier,” she says. “Santa Monica schools get out on the 24th of June. We get out on the 17th because that is how our unions negotiated it. They wanted to get out earlier rather than later.”
As a lifelong educator, Ms. Jaffe does not have strong feelings about earlier/later starts and finishes. “For me, I just want the kids to be there, to learn, to get the best education possible. I understand that many families want to take their vacations and come back after Labor Day. For some parents, tat is the way it is. Don’t forget, in most cases, they are working parents.”
Returning to Mr. Zeidman, he gave a little ground on his opening statement.
“When LAUSD wants to change a policy, in general, I think the Board should look at it and think hard about doing the exact opposite,” he said.
“There are some advantages to an earlier start. Testing is done in May, and after the end of that month, it is not a very productive time. But it is not a matter of testing kids. It is a matter of teaching kids. Every day they are in the classroom is an important day.
“As for the idea of having kids in school in August and getting out in early June, weather-wise, certainly I want kids on vacation in August.
“I commend LAUSD for everything they are trying to do. I am sure we will talk about it. But my rule of thumb holds.”
