Six fewer school days for Surrey kids
Metrovalley Newspaper Group - Surrey North Delta Leader
May 28, 2009
By: Sheila Reynolds

Local students will attend class for fewer days in the 2009/2010 school year after the Surrey Board of Education voted Thursday night to shorten the year in order to save $1 million.

The district had been debating the move for more than a month in order to help address an anticipated $9.5-million operating budget shortfall for the upcoming school year.

Trustees voted unanimously to add five days (from March 15-19) to the usual provincial spring break week as well as adding one extra non-instructional day (Nov. 12) following Remembrance Day.

The change, said Supt. Mike McKay will allow Surrey to maintain the current staffing and service levels throughout the year….

He said parents also voiced concern about increased daycare costs to cover the extra days off and that the matter is being discussed with community organizations to see if low or no-cost childcare can be arranged, especially in high-need neighbourhoods….