All CCSD Schools Will Now Be 9 Month Schools

From the LVRJ: "Clark County School District officials announced Wednesday that all of the district's 76 year-round schools will revert to nine-month calendars beginning in the new school year that starts Aug. 30.
The move is expected to save the school district about $21 million and comes as a result of policy decisions made by the School Board." http://www.lvrj.com/news/schools-will-revert-to-nine-month-calendars-92364129.html
From a budgetary standpoint, this makes sense. From an educational stand point, I don't like the idea.
The reason we have 9 month schools probably dates back to the beginning schools in early U.S. history. The reason why we have 9 month schools is so the kids can help out on the family farm during the summer. It has been pretty much the standard throughout the history of the U.S. Well, in Vegas, there are not too many family farms. I can only think of two in the Valley- RC Farms, a pig farm in North Las Vegas. It's been on "Dirty Jobs". The other is Gilcrease Farms, which is a orchard in northwest Vegas. You can pick your own fruit and vegetables when the they are in season.
From an educational standpoint, I think if you went to school 6 weeks and take 3 weeks off, the child will retain knowledge learned easier. It also helps most families. Most families don't have 3 months off during the summer, especially in Las Vegas. So, child care issues may be easier to handle. And quite frankly, after a month off of school, most kids are bored silly and are at home, playing computer games or Wii or getting into trouble.
The downside for teachers is that some will lose money as some teachers sub for ill teachers and double dip. It is more difficult to take college courses if your school is on a 12 month schedule.
So, hats off to the school board for making this decision. No matter how they decided, they were going to make people mad. This will save money and save some teacher jobs.