We, the undersigned parents, guardians, and educators within the Manatee County School District respectfully ask that you do not implement the 2015 - 2016 school calendar that was proposed on April 14, 2015. We agree that there is a benefit to the changes that you proposed; however, we ask that you implement those changes for the 2016 - 2017 school year instead.

A great deal of families have made non-refundable vacation plans and crucial medical appointments during the first 16 - 23 days of August 2015. Implementing this change would cause numerous student and teacher absences during the first two weeks of school. Our teachers pride themselves on returning to school refreshed, recharged, and ready to give their all to their students. Families use this time to reconnect and prepare for a new rigorous school year. This change would cause an unfortunate amount of stress right out of the gate for a new school year.

Thank you for your consideration of the needs of our community.