Frequently Asked Questions about Furlough Days

1. Why is the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District taking furlough days?

California 's financial crisis continues to be very problematic. Over the past five years PYLUSD has been forced to cut more than $40 million and is faced with an additional reduction of $16.7 million next year. In an effort to address the funding reductions, teachers and managers agreed to take mandatory furlough days in both the current and subsequent school years. These furlough days translate into savings that will help us minimize the reductions to educational programs.

2. Why were four student attendance days selected instead of non-student days?

There are no remaining non-student days in the 2009-2010 school year. In order to lessen the impact on instruction, the district looked for the best way to spread these days out over the remaining school year. Additionally, days immediately before or after a holiday have shown higher-than-normal absenteeism.

3. Why couldn't we just end the school year earlier?

Ending the school year four days earlier was considered; however, the impact on high school graduations and numerous end-of-the-school-year events eliminated this possibility. Deposits for grad nights, end-of-the-year events, music programs, awards ceremonies, and travel plans for families attending graduation from out of state were all part of the consideration.

4. Will Child Care be closed on furlough days?

Yes, all district facilities and programs will be closed on furlough days. However, if a child is scheduled to attend child care on a furlough day, their account will be credited for that day.

5. Why such short notice?

In an effort to be proactive and eliminate the potential of all 10 furlough days being placed in the 2010-2011 school year, it was agreed that it would be best to amend the current calendar and put into effect furlough days over the remainder of the school year. Although the immediate impact causes hardship for many, spreading furlough days over two years lessens the impact on instruction in one given school year.

 
6. Will the same furlough days be selected for next school year?

Next year's calendar has not been developed but will be worked on this spring.