Bonneville School Board Approves Wednesdays For Early Release
It’s taken several board meetings and more than 1,000 public comments, but Bonneville County School District 93 has decided which day of the week students will be released early next year.
The three board members present at Wednesday’s meeting unanimously approved Wednesdays as the early-release days.
It’s not the most obvious choice. At the Feb. 8 meeting, nearly all of the debate focused on the bookends of the week. Administrators wanted Mondays, while parents pushed for Fridays.
Deputy Superintendent Bruce Roberts said Wednesday was the least of all evils.
The early releases aren’t something anyone wants, but rather a time set aside for teachers to plan, collaborate and learn new technology demands.
In February, Roberts said it is necessary to help teachers deal with higher expectations and new legislation, such as the Students Come First plan.
Students will get out 90 minutes early on those days. There are about 25 in total. Schedules will be adjusted to fit all classes or lesson plans.
Roberts said Mondays and Fridays have the highest absence rates among students and teachers. He said there are also lots of sports and activity obligations after school on Fridays.
With hump day, Roberts said teachers feel they can assess in the middle of the week, and it’s also less likely to be forgotten.
“That was another issue with Wednesday, was that notes could be sent home, as opposed to Mondays, (and) sending them home on Fridays and having those times missed,” said Roberts. “Where it’s on a weekly basis, parents will get it in their schedules, coordinate with day care, and it will all work out fine.”
With the passing of a $14 million bond on Tuesday, board members decided on a name for the new professional high school. It will be The District 93 Technical Careers High School.
They also approved a location to build a new elementary school. It will be on Iona Road, across from Bonneville High, in the Crow Creek neighborhood. The school should open in fall of 2013.
