Local kids may not be back in school before Labour Day this year after all.
Last week, the Upper Grand District School Board deferred a decision on an early start to the 2009-10 school year after Education Minister Kathleen Wynne commented in the Ontario legislature that she preferred a later start date.
Wynne then sent a letter “suggesting, not directing” that school boards begin classes after Labour Day as usual, UGDSB spokesperson Maggie McFadzen told the Advertiser. She said the board is expected to make a decision at its meeting on March 31.
In late February, the board issued a press release stating the 2009-10 school year would commence the week prior to Labour Day because the holiday is later than usual this year (Sept. 7).
“This poses significant challenges in determining the school year calendar,” the statement said.
Under the Education Act, the board must submit to the ministry a school year calendar that includes 194 days. However, there are only 192 days between Labour Day and the end of June 2010, so any calendar that begins after Labour Day will not meet the mandated requirements.
However, on March 10 Wynne said she will be encouraging school boards to have a professional activity day in the first week of September so classes can start on Sept. 8, the Tuesday after Labour Day.
The minister’s letter has yet to change the minds of Wellington Catholic District School Board members, who approved an early start to the school year on March 9, said Director Don Drone.
The board approved starting classes on Sept. 1, with a PA day on Sept. 4 and resuming classes again on Sept. 8. Drone said his board tried to make a decision well in advance so parents could schedule holidays and make other plans as soon as possible.
But the WCDSB may reverse its decision, depending on the outcome of UGDSB discussions.
“There’s always the possibility of reconsideration,” Drone said. “In one way or another the ball’s in the Upper Grand’s court.”
He explained it makes sense to have one uniform school year, at both the Catholic and public school boards. The WCDSB may reconsider the matter at its meeting on April 6.
