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Canton, Alliance schools extend Thanksgiving break for students and staff

The move has been made to address teacher burnout.

CANTON, Ohio — At least two local school districts have extended this year's Thanksgiving break for students and staff. It’s a move that educators are supporting in hopes of addressing teacher burnout.

This week, the Canton City School Board voted to add an extra day off before the start of Thanksgiving break.

"It really was an attempt to address, if you will, teacher burnout," said Paul Palomba, president of the Canton Professional Educators' Association. "It's been a very demanding year."

The extra day off was recommended by Canton Superintendent Jeff Talbert.

"Our association leaders have had ongoing discussions with the superintendent, and he was aware of how difficult of a year it’s been for teachers in our district and all across the nation."

In a statement sent to WKYC, the school noted that many teachers are covering classes due "to nationwide staff shortages" and a "lack of substitute teachers."

"When we have quarantining or sicknesses, then the teachers are fulfilling the jobs of other teachers so they’re plugging holes across the district," said Palomba. "So if you go an entire day and you’re plugging holes and you don’t get a break yourself, it can really have a mental effect on you."

Alliance City Schools announced a similar change. The district would extend break to include the entire Thanksgiving week. In a letter to parents, the superintendent said the district has seen "...too many of our youth and our adults who are mentally exhausted and physically and emotionally stretched too thin.”

The Canton school board also voted to add four staff days. Students would be off from school, but staff members would come in for a workday.

"Those days are really meaningful and help teachers get caught up with all the new demands," said Palomba.

Canton City Schools also announced plans to send meals home with students on Tuesday to cover breakfast and lunch on the first day of Thanksgiving break.

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