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WINSTON-SALEM -- The Winston-Salem-Forsyth County School Board decided Tuesday night to postpone a vote on altering future school calendars. The proposed changes would start instruction in early August instead of late August and would end classes in late May instead of early June.

In addition, the calendar shift would greatly extend fall, winter and spring breaks. It would also allow high school students to finish final exams before Christmas and give more instructional time to students in need of academic assistance.

"It's one of those topics where people have various strong opinions on both sides, so it's difficult sometimes when you know that people will be upset or be disappointed with the result one way or the other," said Theo Helm with the WSFC School System. "But, we want to make sure everyone knows what we're looking at."

The school system has emailed parents a survey asking for feedback on the calendars. More than 50 percent of respondents are in favor of the new calendar and the majority of teachers polled agree.

If the board of education approves the plan, they'll have to get the state's permission to make changes beginning with 2013-14 school year.