Education
Survey finds wide support for ‘year-round’ classes
Results from a survey issued by the Georgetown County School District show overwhelming support for its “modified year round” academic calendar.
The district adopted the modified calendar in 2023. The survey last week asked participants if they wanted to keep it or go back to the traditional calendar.
The modified calendar starts school in early August with two weeks off in October and February. The first semester ends prior to winter break.
The traditional calendar starts school after the third week of August and the first semester ends after winter break.
Of the 2,267 people who responded, 77 percent preferred the modified calendar.
Of the 754 district employees who responded, 84 percent favored the modified calendar.
Almost 1,500 parents responded, and 76 percent favor the modified calendar.
The traditional calendar had the highest support among the 309 community members who participated with 28 percent favoring a return to the traditional calendar. A quarter of the 65 student respondents favored the traditional calendar.
Board Member Jarrod Ownbey was surprised at the result. “Some people just don’t like change,” he said.
Board Member Fallon Bordner said the survey outweighs her opinions about the calendar.
“We represent the people,” Bordner said. “It needs to go toward what the majority want”
