Parents Continue Backlash Against New School Calendar

DeKalb County schools will change schedules next fall to shorten the summer break and adopt a so-called "balanced" schedule, a move supported by most teachers but not popular with parents, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The discussion about changing the school schedules started this year and was delayed as the district attempted to gather more information after a backlash from parents.

The delay seemed to little to stem the anger of parents: Here are some edited excerpts received by Dunwoody Patch.

I'm not saying its good or bad either way, it just doesn't shock me that the board asks for input yet goes against the
popular/favorable opinion by those who took the survey. I'm all for the most educational plan, the students should be #1
I'm gathering somme comments on this issue. Why is it bad? Is trimming summer by two weeks meet any education goal.
popular/favorable opinion by those who took the survey. I'm all for the most educational plan, the students should be #1 

Is not every reaction from residents in Dunwoody negative if it pertains to Dekalb County

The respect for DCSS to handle the duties of running the system and educating our children is rocky, at best. Skills are needed to run a tight budget, keep us out of court, hire competent educators, retain good staff, treat teachers and residents with dignity and make sure that our children are learning. Well, that's the problem! Decisions made by the Board and the superintendent are marginal and the residents have to question each and every decision. Lost respect years ago.
Calendar research is mixed. Just spreading out the days does not improve academic achievement. Increasing the number of days and lengthening the day show improvement. However, the cost to pay staff is enormous and DCSS has no money due to $$$$$$$$ spent on litigations, contract buy-outs, PhD tuition for highly paid administrators, and lost $$$ in couch pillows. It is not going to teachers, bus drivers, custodians, lunch ladies - the feet on the ground.
It's a mess which will not get better with the current leadership. Yes, we question everything, because so little is done well.

The school board voted 6-2 Monday in favor of the new calendar. The new schedule will shortener summer break by two weeks and build those vacation days into fall and winter.

Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson has said students forget too much of the instruction during a traditional summer break. School will start Aug. 5 instead of Aug. 12 and will end May 29 instead of May 23, according to the report.

A three-day fall break will be added Oct. 7 and Oct. 9 and a four-day winter break from Feb. 18 to Feb. 21, which will be added to Presidents' Day.

Nearly 60 percent of parents favored keeping the traditional school calendar.