District days off
The VSB closed schools for an extra 10 daysan additional five days at spring break and another five scattered throughout the yearfor the past two school years.
Staff are paid in exchange for working a few minutes extra each day to compensate for lost days. Trustees implemented the days off to save an estimated $1.3 to $1.4 million during a budget crunch.
Savings mostly come from not having to hire substitute teachers and support workers on those 10 days. A much smaller portion of savings comes from heat, light and transportation, and possibly savings in terms of reduced absenteeism due to the wellness effect of more days off, according to Bacchus.
Its unclear if all the projected savings materialized. Bacchus said the board will hear more details from senior staff in coming weeks.
Whether the days off continue for a third year depends on the outcome of budget talks this spring. The VSBs preliminary estimate is a $14 million shortfall. (That could drop to just over $9 million if the board carries over a projected $4.7 million surplus from this year.)
COPE is calling for an additional five days of school. Former trustee Jane Bouey, who lost her re-election bid, sits on its education committee. She said she voted reluctantly in favour of extra days off when the board faced an $18 million shortfall to keep cuts away from the classroom.
COPEs concern is that rather than it being an extreme measure being done to meet urgent needsit is becoming the norm. A seemingly easy way to save money, she told the Courier in an email.
Bouey said closure days hurt vulnerable students such as those whose only meal of the day comes at school. Its also been a negative for on-call employees.
Bacchus agrees with COPE that five days off would be preferable to 10, but said the board needs to consult with education groups and the community.
noconnor@vancourier.com
Twitter: @Naoibh
(This story has been corrected since it was first posted Feb. 9)
