Changing the instructional calendar holds numerous unintended consequences for the entire SRVUSD.  We need to consider the impact of this adoption. It is advantageous to invest more time, with a deeper look into successful stress-reduction models from other districts, before implementing such a drastic change affecting over 32,000 students and 3,500 employees.

If the SRVUSD wishes to become a pioneer in the Bay Area for a successful calendar change, discussion and planning should be conducted in a way that does not sacrifice community input and buy-in. We ask for transparency and much greater open discussion where all options are exhausted.  We also ask for a new, more-widely distributed, and inclusive survey to capture an authentic glimpse of the public’s thoughts and suggestions for re-tooling the proposed calendar model plus the opportunity to vote on any resulting proposed calendar(s). Additionally, since school schedules affect home values, homeowners throughout the school district (with or without children in the district) should be made aware of changes and have the opportunity to vote as well.

Settling on the current draft proposal, in the interest of time, inhibits receipt of adequate input from those affected by the change.  Hastily pushing forward at this time will not guarantee the desired result.  Students deserve the best decision possible, not the fastest.