VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Right now there are three elementary schools in the Lower Mainland that have year-round schooling, and parents, students and teachers seem to like it that way. So the Vancouver School Board is now mulling over the benefits and downsides of changing its calendar year.

VSB trustee Mike Lombardi says year round schooling has a number of advantages. “The research shows it’s been very good from the wellness point of view of employees, teachers, support staff, and administrators that found it to be a more balanced approach to the year…”

He says it also boosts academic achievement. “…vulnerable kids, disadvantaged kids, kids who are not getting the best start in our schools, a balanced year can really help increase their student success and learning, because what it does is it reduces the gaps in learning, which occur with that long two-month break.”

Critics say it would be a major change for parents and kids who are used to the long summer break.

B.C. School Trustees will hold a special meeting on the issue next month.