Coquitlam may extended spring break to save money

METRO VANCOUVER — Students in Coquitlam school district could get an extra week to sleep in next spring if the school board approves a proposal to create a two-week-long spring break.

Preliminary 2010-11 budget recommendations include the idea of extending spring break by five days, which would save School District 43 an estimated $400,000 in staffing costs. These savings would mainly stem from not paying any substitute teachers during the additional week.

Similarly, the district might extend the weekend after Remembrance Day by closing schools on Friday, Nov. 12. This additional closure would save about $80,000 in replacement costs for absent CUPE members and teaching staff.

To make up for lost teaching time, school days would likely be extended by about eight minutes year round.

Bob Janzen said the schedule changes would not reduce work hours or remuneration for any regular staff person.

But Kathleen Thomson, president of the Coquitlam Teachers’ Association, said substitute teachers will suffer dramatic decreases in employment if the additional holidays are approved.

"Spring break, the proposal to lengthen it by an additional week, I imagine will be very popular with employees because they’re going to see that as an excellent way to get a much-needed break in a career that’s very rewarding but too busy with way too much to do," Thomson said Tuesday.

"But the additional spring break … is really coming off the backs of primarily [teachers on call]."

She also noted that adding a few extra minutes to each school day would not make up for lost teaching opportunities if full days are cut, particularly in the second semester.

Supt. Tom Grant said if the board moves forward with the proposal for an extended spring break, the district will consult with the Coquitlam Teachers’ Association, CUPE and parents.

Budget discussions will continue at the school board meeting on Tuesday, April 13.

Vancouver and Richmond school districts are also looking at a two-week-long spring breaks to save money. Surrey has already put such a calendar in place.