The State has rejected the proposal to move to a 4-day school week. There were some holes in the application that school administration is working to fill. The State has said they will fast-track a review of the updated application. If approved in time, the 4-day week could still happen, but I think each day that passes makes it more likely that we will see a 5-day week when school resumes in September. Thoughts anyone?
4 Day School Week – NOT?!
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Levy No / 4 day week coming
The complete failure of the school levy proposal has resulted in an immediate decision by the School Board to institute a 4-day school week beginning in the Fall.
“It makes a pretty strong statement,” Superintendent Phil Minkkinen said. “We are going to look for ways to economize.” source
This has been a very contentious issue and the voters have spoken. Now we all have to live with the results. Best wishes and thanks to the School Board for your efforts.
School Levy Vote
There have been several Letters to the Editor on the upcoming school levy vote printed in the Lake County News Chronicle over the last several weeks. The school board has made efforts to get information out to voters as well. The official information from the school district can be found here.
There is more discussion about this on the Two Harbors Forum bulletin board.
When your ballot comes, please vote.
Board Considering 4 Day Week for Schools
“Benefits for the School in General:There are savings on utility bills, substitute teacher pay, school buses and building wear and tear. School days missed due to inclement weather can be more easily made up.” There’s no doubt that this change will save money. From a financial standpoint it seems like a great idea. Fewer miles on buses, fewer meals to prepare, less days to keep the buildings warmer, etc. As far as how students cope with a slightly extended day, there are many studies that say there is really no net effect on student outcomes. But, consider some other people. Some of the savings come from reducing paychecks. Many hourly staff will see reduced hours. Bus drivers, kitchen employees and custodial staff come to mind right away. What about office staff? 4 day weeks for them too? Most of the school nursing staff are hourly employees. Reducing to a 4 day week will cause some pain for these folks. What about teaching and administrative staff? As I understand it, the school day will be extended by about 35 minutes. That is 2 hours and 20 minutes over 4 days. With the 5th day being cut, that represents a workweek for teaching staff that is perhaps 6 hours shorter. That’s a guess, but you get the point. I know the teachers agreed to a 2 year wage freeze, something that wasn’t easy for them either. Will the District ask for other concessions from the teachers? I would bet that there are many hourly employees who would love to have the option of agreeing to a 2 year wage freeze if they could continue to be paid for same number of hours whether they work them or not. I don’t have any magical answers to the challenges of school finance. I am merely pointing out that there are many more things to consider than first meet the eye. The School Board is working on funding for the District. There is good information in the most recent issue of “Good News”
Old THHS Panorama
Tom Koehler sent this nice panoramic picture of the old high school before it met the demolition machinery. If you click the pic it will open in a new window.
Thanks Tom!
Its almost gone . . .
Wow – it really is almost gone. The people living on 4th Ave and below must be thrilled to have a new view of the world. All that was left of the old high school when I last checked was a little bit of the gym end, the boiler room, bandroom, and part of the backstage/theater area. I suppose that will vanish shortly also.