In a community that focuses more on the needs of a few than the needs of many, it is imperative that we realize what is most beneficial for the children. This should not be a matter of opinion, but of sound research into the functionality of our policies. Who is right and who is wrong is irrelevant. The effects of a balanced calendar should be thoroughly researched to ensure that it is not the best option before it is withdrawn. My research shows that several breaks between intense learning sessions are the most beneficial for young minds;
http://www.nayre.org/index.html

#304: jason h - Show results of factual research backing the decision to withdraw the balanced calendar.

Needs of a few?  Isn't that the argument Fred Sanderson used for needing to align the calendar with the college calendar?  We have students who are on dual enrollment.  An how many of those students are there?  The colleges start mid-August.  The colleges are not off in September and they are not off this week.  They also are not off during our Spring Break, but have their own spring break.

Football and marching band (last I checked, every high school has a football team and a marching band) start a minimum of two weeks (and often three weeks) before teachers report.  And they practiced during the September break.  We had to cut our "summer" vacation short (yes, we had our "summer" vacation in September because there was no time left in the summer to take it) to get our daughter back for her practices.  And college kids can't go on vacation with their families in September and February.  But with more time in the summer, they could go with them then.  While teachers have "all summer" (not really because we are planning for the upcoming year, taking classes, etc.), other family members have time constraints on their ability to take a vacation at a particular time.  Less weeks for vacation time for all the employees to schedule their vacations.