DO YOU KNOW...

THE FACTS
** According to statistics recently obtained from the National Association for Year-Round Education (NAYRE), the number of year-round school districts in the United States has steadily declined over the past 5 years. The 2005-06 number is back down to where it was 10 years ago.
** According to NAYRE, the number of year-round schools in North Carolina has declined 30% over the last 5 years, from 129 to 89.
** There is no proven academic advantage to year-round schools. In a 2000 Evaluation Brief, the NC Department of Public Instruction reported the results of their own study, entitled, “Year-round Schools and Achievement in North Carolina”. I quote, “the results reported here do not imply any clear advantage or disadvantage to year-round education with respect to student achievement in reading and math.”
** Documentation abounds on why mandatory year-round school attendance has failed in districts throughout the United States. The prevailing reasons cited include: 1) Increased costs due to transportation expenses, soaring utility bills, wear and tear on buildings that are constantly in use, maintenance services that have to be provided on weekends, and staff salaries and benefits. Also, research shows that when postponed construction eventually has to take place, the cost is much greater due to dramatic increases in construction costs. 2) Staffing problems, including employee burnout and dissatisfaction
** Records show districts eventually reverting back to traditional calendars, sometimes after only two years
** In the current proposal by the WCPSS Administration (where all schools would go year-round), the only common summer break for all students would be one week in July.
** A Power Point presentation by the WCPSS Administration in February, 2005, listed the following findings on mandatory year-round schools:
-Mandatory year-round has not been successful in other districts; the districts who use year-round as a choice option are the most successful
-Siblings are not always able to be on the same track
-Increased transportation costs
-Forces a change in the family structure with vacations, family time, etc.
-Child care problematic
-Difficulty scheduling extra-curricular activities because one track is always out of school
-Huge reassignment plan necessary to fill all schools
LIKELY CONSEQUENCES
** Escalation in teacher recruitment and retention crisis (early retirements, transfers, fewer out-of-state applicants)
** Loss of family income from summer jobs - Students will no longer be able to work and provide money for college and other expenses. Many families depend on that extra income to literally help feed and clothe their families
** Loss of invaluable job experiences that sometimes lead to future careers
** Legal entanglements as parents are forced to seek changes in court-ordered custody dates
** The demise of small neighborhood pools, sports camps, church camps, etc.
** Increased expenses for childcare ** Greater tax increases down the road due to rising cost of construction that was simply delayed
** Siblings on different calendars
** Fewer chances to join family members in other parts of North Carolina or in other states for joint activities, reunions, etc.
** Increased absenteeism - parents with children on different schedules will have to pull children out in order to go on trips or participate in family activities together
** Decrease in parental involvement at individual schools
** Traditionally active and supportive parents opting out of public education