Year-Round School Calendar Set for Evergreen

In a move aimed at drawing students back to Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified, and keeping loyal parents here, the school board this week unanimously approved year-round classes at Evergreen Elementary.

The idea — — would be one of two K-6 programs offered at Evergreen: the traditional school year and a year-long instruction.

"This is something people have been asking for for a long time," said Board President Ed Gilardi. "We're trying to listen to parents, and give them what they want. And, when we ask parents why they take their kids out of the district, this is one of the reasons why."

Trustees said support is already growing.

"There has already been several trasfer kids who want year-round schools who have interest in coming back," said Trustee Andrew Longmire. "I think it's great — everyone involved so far is really excited."

Interdistrict transfers has reached in recent years, and student enrollment is at unprecedented lows. This year, more than 770 students chose other schools, such as Gravenstein Union School District in Sebastopol and Penngrove Elementary School — partly for year-long programs, said district officials.

So far, next school year, 38 new students have requested to leave, 71 have renewed requests for other schools and 29 requests are pending, according to Chief Business Official Anne Barron.

So, the district is making aggressive moves to combat the procession of families fleeing Rohnert Park and Cotati schools. The year-long calendar is just one idea.

The year-round program at Cotati-Rohnert Park differs slightly from many year-round curriculums. Though the students would attend classes in a yearlong calendar, the number of instructional days would be the same as a traditional school year, according to Barron.

The year-long program kicks off this year. Here's how it works: All students are out on June 1, but students who opt for the yearlong program — available for kindergarten through 6th grade — would go back on July 25. Then they'd attend through Sept. 24, when they'd get two-week break till Oct. 12. The rest of the year would follow a traditional calendar, except Spring Break would be two weeks instead of one, Barron said.

In traditional school year calendars, students are let out June 1 and go back Aug. 21.

Barron said the goal is to make the district more flexible for parents, and to provide choices for families who have stayed with the district throughout the years.

"We really want to give families a choice," Barron said. "And this way, school will be underway in a short enough break that students don't forget all they've learned, but teachers as well as students will have had enough time to recharge their energy."

Following Tuesday's school board meeting, district officials sent out surveys to parents, asking what they'd prefer.

"We're asking, would they definitely want year-round, but would go traditional or if they prefer traditional but would go year-round," Barron said.

So far, said board members and district officials, teachers are stepping forward, and Evergreen Principal Gaylene Rosachi has expressed excitement about the new program.

"It’s definitely in the nature of an experiment," Barron said. "But seven teachers have come forth and voluntneered to teach grades K-6. Ultimately, we’re hoping for some people this will be a better fit for their family."

What do you think? Would you support year-long instruction for your kid? Would this make you change your mind about leaving the district?