Some Wake Parents Upset Over Children Going To School On Memorial Day

Wendy Hudson has her yellow ribbon and American flag, but she is not happy with Wake County schools' stance on Memorial Day.

"I feel like Memorial Day is being trashed in Wake County and I would like Wake County to wake up," Hudson said. "People need to realize that it's a day families should be able to pay some tribute and honor to veterans."

"You're trying to be sensitive to the needs of the families while still fulfilling our legal responsibility to teach students," said Michael Evans, spokesman for Wake County Schools.

This year, Wake County schools lost four days because of snow and ice. To make up for those days missed, the school system has used teacher workdays. In fact, Memorial Day was to be a workday, but now the day will be used for teachers, students and veterans.

Hudson thinks the school system could have picked another day. The school system says it had few options.

"We'd be messing with graduation. We'd be shortening Spring Break," Evans said.

Wake County expects children to be at school on Memorial Day, but Hudson's children will not be there.

"At some point, you just have to say what's important," she said.

The county does not plan to track down students who will not attend school on Memorial Day or penalize them. However, administrators say it is a school day and expects children to attend.