The district announced that a board committee has voted to rescind the plan to shift E.E. Miller Elementary from a year-round calendar to a traditional one before the 2027-28 school year. That recommendation follows weeks of public pushback.
Parents and students at E.E. Miller made their voices heard loud and clear.
"We were so happy. We cried, and we were so excited to hear that they're listening to us," said Michelle Cazarez, a parent at the school.
WATCH: Backlash grows over Cumberland consolidation plans, parents & students weigh in
Backlash grows over Cumberland consolidation plans, parents & students weigh in
Back in February, the board approved the switch as part of a sweeping district consolidation plan. But the proposal quickly sparked frustration, prompting parents to launch a petition that gathered more than 1,000 signatures.
"I think it's a terrible idea," said Alice Bennett, another parent, during coverage on Feb. 11.
On Tuesday night, the board voted to rescind its decision. "Let's vote. That's unanimous," a board member said, followed by cheers in the meeting room.
Parents say one of the benefits of year-round schools is a consistent structure, which helps students with ADHD.
"My whole family, we're all neurodivergent and ADHD, and it has been such a great blessing to start as a year-round school," said Krystal Conley, a parent. "We've been able to get all the valuable things from that. And so I definitely want to keep them in year-round."
ABC11 met parents like Cazarez in the pick-up line, still energized by their efforts.
"It was kind of surreal. You know, we've been working really hard since that decision came out Feb. 9. So to have it almost exactly a month later, it kind of like we got to see the fruits of our labor really pay off," Cazarez said.
Brothers Gio and Renato Cazarez, who first spoke with us in February, also shared their reactions.
"I was feeling so happy," said Gio.
"Since I have social anxiety, the three-week break after nine weeks of school helps me relieve all this stress and just calm down," said Renato, a third grader.
After reviewing the budget, board members said keeping the year-round program would cost between $50,000 and $100,000, something the district said it could afford. For many students, this vote feels like a step in the right direction.
"Since I have my ADHD and anxiety, I feel like it's giving me enough time to relax and calm down and actually focus on what I'm learning and that I am well prepared for what's ahead," Gio said.
The recommendation will now be presented to the full board at its March 10 meeting, where members will make a final decision.
Parents here say their weeks of advocacy finally paid off.
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