Stamford’s BOE reinstates Columbus Day, Veterans Day in school holiday calendar
School board members flipped their votes to have the holidays reinstated on Tuesday’s meeting, citing costs to the district to have students in school on those days.
The Stamford’s Board of Education reversed a controversial vote that would eliminate Columbus Day and Veterans Day from the school’s holiday calendar.
School board members flipped their votes to have the holidays reinstated on Tuesday’s meeting, citing costs to the district to have students in school on those days.
The vote was unanimous.
Board member Michael Hyman told News 12 in January that the discussion was not about eliminating the holidays completely but increasing education opportunities.
Residents of the Stamford community felt relieved after the vote.
“We just want what’s best for the kids and what’s best for the school system,” Al Fusco, of Stamford said. “We’re talking about American holidays, Columbus Day and Veterans Day, these are iconic American holidays. Don’t give us anything, just don’t take away stuff that we have had for generations.”
The superintendent says it would cost the city an extra $100,000 to open schools on those days.
“So those individuals who supported letting go of the holidays and having everybody back in school, now realize it’s a costly decision,” said Rebecca Hamman, of the Stamford BOE.
Residents said they hope the vote will permanently remain.
“We did this two years ago. I’m hoping this will finally put it to bed and say look, it’s not worth our effort to battle the community,” said Stephen Fisch, from Stamford’s Veterans Council.
