BoardDocs Agenda Item: 6.02 Extended schools days with shortened school year

		Agenda Item
6.02 Extended schools days with shortened school year
Meeting:	02/08/2010 Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. at Hilltop Education Center
Category:	6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Agenda Type:	Discussion

Agenda Item Content

One of the items Board members have on their list for future meetings was information regarding cost savings and educational implications on extending the school day and reducing the number of days school is in session. Dr. Goering has provided some research on the topic and started to get feedback and questions from staff and parents. This is a fundamental change in school day and calendar. However, the research shows school achievement stays the same or increases and significant money can be saved without sacrificing programs and people. Many of the items are mandatorily negotiable however a sample of the day and calendar are shown as examples. Teachers would work the same total number of contract hours or less and students would still be over the hours required by approximately 30 hours per year.

Potential savings should be in the area of $300,000. I believe a team of stakeholders should visit several sites where they have implemented a similar calendar and talk to parents, students, teachers and administrators about the pros and cons of the calendar if the Board is interested in pursuing this option.

Estimated Potential savings with Extended School Day & Shortened School Calendar:

Savings
1. 20 less days of regular bus routes @ $5,000/day $100,000
2. Fuel savings of 12% $10,000
3. Reduced energy and utilities @ $1,000/day $20,000
4. Substitute Teachers (estimated at up to 60% savings) $130,000
5. Reduced Salaries $40,000
Total $300,000

There are many articles available with information regarding a shortened calendar.