Parents don't know which way to turn
VANCOUVER/CKNW(AM980)
Jordan Armstrong
3/30/2010

A poll conducted by Vancouver's District Parent Advisory Council finds a nearly equal division of opinion on a plan to cut the school year by 10 days in exchange for lengthening each school day by up to 18 minutes.

"About a third of the parents are really opposed to it because of the impact it would have on child care. A third of the families are OK with it and the other third remain undecided."

D-PAC's Steve Baker believes the proposal does nothing for educational value. He says the Provincial Government should allow School Boards to run deficits so they don't have to face these types of challenges.

The Vancouver District is facing a budget shortfall of 18.1 million dollars and estimates it can save about 1-million dollars a year with this plan.