Hopes Rise for Extended School Year

OXNARD —  With their local support secure, Oxnard school officials are turning their sights toward Sacramento where Assemblyman Nao Takasugi has just introduced legislation to extend the high school year by 15 days.

“Now we have to convince the Assembly and Senate to pass the bill and encourage the governor to sign it,” Oxnard Union High School District Supt. Bill Studt said.

Assemblyman Steve Baldwin (R-La Mesa), chairman of the Education Committee, said he is optimistic about the bill’s chances in the lower house.

“Longer school years are generally the norm in Europe and Asia and their students are doing better,” Baldwin said. “I’d like to think there’s a connection. I think it’s something worth checking out on a pilot basis.”

But Takasugi’s bill may face tougher opposition in the state Senate, Baldwin said. “He will have to seek out allies,” Baldwin said.

District officials proposed lengthening the high school year last fall, but the idea faced opposition from teachers and lacked school board approval. The five-member district board enthusiastically approved the 195-day proposal in early December, but a survey of teachers conducted at about the same time found that 70% were against it.

After lengthy discussions with the Oxnard Federation of Teachers, the union jumped on board just weeks ago after the school district met several demands.

“We wanted a curriculum expanded to include guest speakers and internships and a stricter attendance policy,” union representative Yvonne Peck said. “What’s the use of adding more days if students don’t attend class?”

Takasugi’s bill would split the additional days of school at the beginning and end of the school year for a cost of about $3.5 million a year. The pilot program would be reevaluated after four years. District officials hope lawmakers can pass the proposal in time to extend the 1996-97 school year.

The district now follows the national standard of 180 school days per year. Most industrial nations keep their children in school for more than 200 days a year.

“After four years, this program could become a model for the whole state,” Takasugi said Friday. “There are added costs, but compared to the benefits, it’s a real bargain. It will help put our kids on equal footing with other students around the world.”

The proposal is gaining support from several community groups, including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Ventura County.

“How can you not support something like this?” chamber President Norma Morales said. “It will benefit our children’s education.”

But students at Oxnard High School were not so enthusiastic about facing another three weeks of school.

“I’d probably learn more, but I come to school enough already,” said ninth-grader Oscar Rosas, 15. “I’d rather stay home and sleep.”