On Jan. 21, the Instruction Counsel (IC) met with Superintendent Kevin Skelly and Principal Noreen Likins to discuss a note added to the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 district calendars stating that homework would not be assigned during winter break. The IC addressed concerns by staff members over whether the note overstepped the power of the school board.

The calendar was drafted by the calendar committee, a biannual meeting of representatives from the Palo Alto Educators Association, the California School Employees Association and the Palo Alto Unified School District. On Oct. 28, it was unanimously approved by the school board. “No assignments should be given over the winter break, and any long-term assignments given before winter break should not be due during the first week back from the break,” the statement read.

Teachers and administrators became concerned over the school board’s imposition. “I think there was a feeling that they were meddling in our classrooms,” Science Department Instruction Supervisor Lettie Weinmann said. “But the school board is ultimately responsible for what happens in our classrooms.”

School Board President Dana Tom argued that the decision to add the note was not enforceable, merely a recommendation. “It’s not a school board policy, the difference is between a suggestion and a law,” Tom said.