Palm Beach County Schools Are Beginning Shockingly Early
According to Sun Sentinel, the School Board came to a 4-3 agreement for school’s to begin on August 10, 2020. This specific date just so happens to be the earliest start date allowed by the state, sparking issues among interference with sleep away camps and family vacations.
School Board member, Chuck Shaw, considered parents arguing for a later start date “special interests” that the district need not cater to.
The main reason behind the earlier start date is focused on the school district’s lowest paid workers like, bus drivers and cafeteria staff. The district states that a later start date would impact these worker’s paychecks, causing them to go 10 weeks without a paycheck rather than 8.
Board members such as, Erica Whitfield, were disappointed in parents urging the district to accommodate their needs. Whitfield expressed her dismay by stating,”You want me to vote to take food away from workers.”
Although there is a great deal of disapproval, the School District remains strong on their stance for an August 10th start date and will consider a separate vote when deciding the 2021-22 calendar.
As of this year, Palm Beach County schools will open on August 12; Broward schools on August 14 and Miami-Dade, August 20.
