No decision on Good Friday

TAMPA - The frustration is running high in Hillsborough County Schools over the issue of Good Friday. Parents, students and teachers are still in limbo over whether they'll have the day off next year.

Some of the school board wasn't ready to make a decision.

The empty desks didn't sway them, neither did pleas from religious groups. School board members failed to make a decision about giving Good Friday off next year.

They rejected the recommendation from the calendar committee, the group the school board formed to help them with their decision.

"One day, no matter how many passions there are on one side or another. It's one day, out of 181. And I think we just need to decide something and move on," said school board member Candy Olson.

Oson was one of two members who voted to accept the recommendation. It would give all students the day off, but make it a teacher conference day.

It's been an issue because this year, 42 percent of kids took the day off. Some religious leaders say we shouldn't allow "inattendance" to dictate the calendar.

"It's a statement you're making to the kids. That school has to be open and school is important, unless you have a strong reason why you shouldn't be attending school," said Rabbi Mendy Dubrowski.

Closing school for a day would save Hillsborough County roughly $244,000 in bus drivers salaries, bus fuel and electricity.

Although the district says they'd use that money on another school day in place of Good Friday, they would end up saving about $10,000 in costs for substitute teachers.

Jewish and Muslim leaders have asked for their holidays off too.

The board has repeatedly said they want a secular calendar, but every year, Christmas falls during winter break, and that's never been in dispute.

"No, no, you wouldn't even consider having school on Christmas," Olson said. "But Good Friday is not a day that people celebrate in the same way. It's a totally different meaning," Olson said.

Now Hillsborough is instructing the calendar committee to come up with another option.

"My hope is the board will pick one and be done," Olson said.