Public Hearings Held in Carlton for Possible 4-Day School Week
CARLTON, Minn. — “I’m not sure an extra day of sitting and gaming, sitting on Facebook, sitting in an environment where you can’t get away from the cyber-bullying is gonna benefit any of those kids who are victims of that. And that takes place every day,” said a father of a Carlton Schools student against the 4-day school week proposal.
That was one parent speaking out against the flexible calendar being proposed at Carlton Schools.
Public hearings are being held to talk about the possibility of a 4-day school week next year for Carlton. The first public hearing happened Monday night. Parents, school board members, and teachers all gathering to express their thoughts, concerns, and questions. The decision, according to the school board would include having Fridays or Mondays off from school and adding 25 minutes to each regular school day. Teachers would still work a full week giving them the opportunity for an extra day to plan out their week. Staff are in favor of the change.
“I got a 98% thumbs up. So, the staff was essentially needed some time to think about it and then of course the next day came, and enthusiasm ensued Carlton Schools with staff being pretty darn excited about this,” said Donita Stepan, Carlton School Superintendent.
Free breakfast and lunch would be given to students to take home for Friday. Many parents had concerns about the financial burden this could cause for having to provide their elementary student with childcare. That would cost $4 an hour. Others worry about the structure of their children’s lives.
“The kids that aren’t old enough to work and then are old enough to stay home, they’re just going to sit home in front of a screen all day. I believe kids need structure in their life,” said a father of an elementary school student against the 4-day school week.
On those off days Carlton says older students could get real-world experience, volunteer, or go on college visits. Benefits have also been found including improved mental health and reduced operational costs. The school board will meet on the 15th to discuss the final decision. The application to switch to a 4-day week is due on the 22nd.
