For the first time ever, students in the will be getting all of Thanksgiving week off thanks to three mandatory furlough days being tacked on to the already normally shortened holiday week.
"It is the first time that our District negotiated this time for the three furlough days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)," district Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mary Sieu told Patch. "Thursday and Friday have always been holidays for the District."
Sieu said prior to negotiating the school year calendar, a survey is normally sent to the district's employees requesting their feedback.
"This year, there was a majority that requested to have the whole week off" for the Thanksgiving holiday, she said. "Apparently, many other districts have adopted a similar calendar."
Students will be out of school starting on Monday, Nov. 21 and return on Monday, Nov. 28. The district's elementary school students will get a head start on their holiday week with a student-free day on Friday, Nov. 18, according to the district's calendar.
New Schedule Creates Mixed Feeling For Some Parents
For some parents, the extended vacation is a welcomed change but it also creates a challenge.
"I really like this year's holiday schedule," said Cerritos resident Grace Huang, who has a 7th-grade son who attends . "It gives the kids a nice break and it's a good time for us to possibly throw in a little vacation."
For parent Mel Smith, planning for her two kids to be out of school for an entire week has been a bit of a hassle.
"Although my kids love having a longer break, it's been tough having to arrange daycare since I, unfortunately, still have to go to work," she said. "But hey, they're not complaining!"
Why Does the District Have Furlough Days?
The district has implemented these furlough days in response to mandatory state budget cuts, which have for the last three years forced the district's budget to be slashed by $28,900,000. The district has also dealt with the constraints of the reduced budget by: cutting programs, budgets and personnel; utilizing categorical programs flexibility transfer; transferring fund balances from other funds (like adult schools); spending down fund balances and using federal stimulus funds, according to Board Administrator Toan Nugyen.
For a more detailed look at the district's 2011-2012 calendar, visit the district's website.
