Northfield Board Rejects Early School Year Proposal

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Northfield School Board has voted to remain on a normal school year for the 2013-2014 calendar, instead of beginning in August as proposed.

The school board voted on Monday night on a plan that would've moved the school year's start date to Aug. 13, ending the year on May 21.

The board's vote was unanimous after testimony from a number of parents and community members who shared their concerns over what changing the school calendar would do to students.

When WCCO-TV talked with some parents, they stressed that the move would force some children in the 4-H Club to miss the opportunity to present projects at the Minnesota State Fair.

Proponents argued that moving the year would allow the school's semester breaks to align with the holiday breaks. Superintendent Chris Richardson also argued that moving earlier would give students more class days to prepare for standardized tests.

On Monday, the board directed the administration to cancel the three remaining public meetings scheduled to discuss the "balanced calendar" plan.