Our school calendar should align with the rest of the state, especially for the spring vacation week. Having a break that differs from districts in Rhode Island, creates hardships for many families, educators and staff.

As I talk with residents, this issue comes up more than any other. Many parents in our town work as educators in other districts. Since spring vacation moved to March, they cannot spend the break with their own children. Moreover, families where parents must work cannot find good options for camps in March, when we are the only district on break.

If there was clear evidence of a benefit to our students, perhaps it would make sense to maintain our current calendar. However, as the district and the school committee members who supported the switch have failed to provide that evidence, we should return to a schedule that aligns with the rest of the state.

Robert Hancock

Mr. Hancock is a candidate for Bristol Warren school committee.