Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 21, 1994 TAG: 9404210209
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are the most important holidays in the Jewish year, and most observant Jews miss work or school to attend synagogue.
The calendar, which includes six built-in snow days, ends school on June 15. Even if the schools close for more than 16 days - this year's total was 17 - the latest closing day would be June 20.
The School Board discussed whether it was appropriate to delay the beginning of school for a religious minority.
Russell Holladay, the chairman of the 31-person calendar committee, said the committee thought the delay was warranted, particularly in light of recommendations from the state superintendent and General Assembly that schools open late.
Chairman Roy Vickers, concerned with the small number of Jewish families in the county, pointed out that State Superintendent Bill Bosher wrote, "Obviously, this will affect communities and school divisions differently."
Board Member Barry Worth, who represents Riner, said the legislature's advice was moot. "I have to remind you that the legislature told us to keep Christmas and Easter in the calendar," he said, referring to last year's controversy on whether the system's internal calendar should call spring break and winter break by secular or religious names. "I don't think we have to go by what the legislature tells us what to do."
The board voted 6-3 to approve the calendar. Becky Raines, who represents Elliston-Lafayette, voted against the calendar with Worth and Vickers.
by CNB