Los Angeles Unified School District votes to keep mid-August start

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Kids in Los Angeles will still go back to school in mid-August - despite pleas from some parents.

The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education voted 4-3 on Tuesday to keep the mid-August start date for the next three years.

The district has used the basic calendar structure with the mid-August start date since the 2012-13 school year.

Some parents had been pushing for a September start to allow more time for summer programs and family vacations.

"In approving calendars through 2020-21 instead of for a single year, board members said they hoped to provide stability by allowing families and employees to plan activities well in advance," the district said in a statement.

The board followed the recommendations of district staff in approving the following calendars:

2018-19:

First semester -- Aug. 14 to Dec. 14

Second semester -- Jan. 7 to June 7

Winter recess -- Dec. 17 to Jan. 4

Spring recess -- April 15 to 19

2019-20:

First semester -- Aug. 20 to Dec. 20

Second semester -- Jan. 13 to June 12

Winter recess -- Dec. 23 to Jan. 10

Spring recess -- April 6 to 10

2020-2021:

First semester -- Aug. 18 to Dec. 18

Second semester -- Jan. 11 to June 10

Winter recess -- Dec. 21 to Jan. 8

Spring recess -- March 26 to March 30

Charter schools, which enroll about 19 percent of district students, will continue to set their own calendars.

City News Service contributed to this report.