Early Release Wednesdays?

Parents largely support the shift of the school district’s early release day from Mondays to Wednesdays, according to preliminary results of a recent parent survey.

Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano’s initial read of the results shows that across grade levels, over 70% of parents approved adding 30 minutes to the high school’s early release day and switching all the schools to early release Wednesday.

High school teachers suggested the change to Wednesdays for a variety of reasons. It solves some instructional problems and the perception that early release Monday really means a 3-day weekend.

Unsurprisingly, high school students are largely opposed to the slightly longer day and the move to Wednesdays.

The unified parental voice was surprising, however. “That there is such quick consensus is surprising and encouraging,” noted school board director Brian Emanuels, with strong and pleased agreement by the other board members and Dr. Plano.

Because of the additional 30 minutes of instructional time to the high school early release day, the school district will realize a marginal amount of additional revenue.

Implementation for next year is not yet a given, however. Citing the difficulty of transitions, Dr. Plano will be speaking with various vendors about the switch to see if it is indeed possible for the 2011-2012 school year.