Letter

With this new schedule our kids are going to be sitting around in the morning waiting for the bus and then getting home at 4 p.m. with an hour before dinner. There would be no time for play dates, and on certain days running right off to activities, religious education, etc., with no time for homework before they have to go. I know people who will now have to try to change times for activities that they've already committed to begin at 3:30 p.m. that will no longer be possible. Getting younger siblings to preschool becomes a conflict as well with this later start time.

We will have middle and high school age children getting home before our elementary school kids. This makes no sense.

Also, I want to know what the plan for teachers is on how to use this increased instructional time? I'm sure some teachers will use this extra time wisely, but how will you ensure that they all do?

This board will be held accountable that the "increased instructional time" will result in better test scores, specific enhanced learning opportunities, etc., and not just more of the same.

Unfortunately, last-minute changes like this, which don't involve your constituents, will result in a negative outcome on future budget votes and the upcoming referendum. If people feel they cannot trust this board and their wishes are not being taken into account, they are not going to give you what you want. In the end, it is our children who lose and that angers me. This is not the way to lead or be successful.

Nothing is set in stone. Things can be changed. I ask you to seriously reconsider this schedule for Osbornville and move us to the 8:20-2:55 p.m. plan. You would still gain your increased instructional time. A compromise is in order, or I believe your reign will be short-lived, and it is the children who will suffer the consequences of your shortsightedness.

We need strong leadership with a vision that meets the educational needs of our students and brings people together instead of dividing us. Can you meet the challenge?
Sharon Rosa-Bohrer
Brick