Students can expect a new academic calendar that greatly varies from the previous years calendars.  The school district passed a much debated calendar in March.

    “They’re looking to have a fixed break lined up to match Chico State and Butte College. We’ll have a break in March and then in April we’ll have one day for Easter,” said math teacher, Debra Rosenow. 

Instead of a week long break in February, all schools will have a spring break in March, coordinating with the colleges, and the Friday before Easter will be the extent of the Easter break. 

    “They were trying to make a break that could be kept every year.  It’s easier for people to plan accordingly if spring break is the same week every year,” said Rosenow.

    With the removal of the February break removed and one week for spring break Chico Unified School District will have their last day of school on May 27.

    “I think it’s better, I like shorter school years.  I’m not upset about Easter break because to me Easter isn’t as important of a holiday,” said sophomore Garreth Nedved.

    One issue that the teachers were passionate about was the first semester ending before Christmas break.  One option with the coming year’s calendar was to end the semester after winter break.  Students would have to retain a semester’s worth of knowledge over a two week break and then be accounted for their test scores.  The teachers’ fight was successful and ended the first semester on December 18.

To view the official calendar of 2009-2010 visit the Chico Unified School District website at:  http://www.cusd.chico.k12.