Many Clover students and some citizens were disappointed with the decision made by the school board during their Jan. 21 meeting.

At the meeting, it was decided that the 2004-2005 school year would begin on Aug. 5th, two days earlier than the present 2003-2004 school year.

“I really don’t like that we are going to be starting so early in August again next year,” freshman Edward Granger said. “That means I’m missing out on the ice cream man and stuff. Those are the good times.”

Parents and other students also expressed disappointment.

“I am disgusted that we are starting so early again next year,” freshman Hayley Helton said. “August is more summer than when we get out in May.”

School board member Bob Magee agrees.

“I don’t particularly care for school starting as early as we are,” Magee said. “It’s just too early for kids who need to work over the summer to make money, and for the kids who just want to play.”

Each school year must consist of 180 days. Many people in the Clover school district like to have 90 days before Christmas, and the second 90 after. This allows first semester to end right before Christmas break.

“Many people in the district have grown accustomed to having quite a number of consecutive days off,” Magee said. “That is why Christmas break is as long as it is, and why we are starting school so early, to fit in the first 90 days.”

The upcoming school year will be starting earlier than ever due to Election Day on Nov. 2, which students will have off.

Students will also not be attending school on Nov. 1 because administration and teachers find that there is no use in coming back from a weekend only to have the next Tuesday off.

“A bill was brought before the state legislature not too long ago that would allow schools to open after Labor Day,” Magee said. “It did not pass.”

The bill was centered in Myrtle Beach, and the tourist season. It would allow the area to have more families with children come to the beach. It would also be a source of more summer help for them, because the high school students would be able to work during the day.

“I really wish school didn’t start until September,” sophomore Clay Nims said. “I really feel like August is still a part of summer.”