Letter: Make all schools go year-round

Thursday, Oct. 22, 1998 | 10:58 a.m.

I would like to state that I firmly believe all educational decisions should be predicated on the best educational welfare of our students. That having been said, it is possible to ease the impact on many of our schools immediately by placing all our elementary and middle schools on year-round schedules.

Every school that is now on a nine-month schedule can increase its attendance -- possibly by 25 percent. Busing costs may rise, but the educational opportunities for all of our students will be enhanced because they will not be in classes of 40 to 50 students because of the shortage of classroom space.

Consider the educational and economic benefits this suggestion will offer.

1. The year-round school schedule is academically superior to the nine-month schedule because of the shorter "forget time" during each vacation period.

2. When the entire district is on one schedule (elementary and middle school) businesses and home support agencies will have to adjust their schedules to the school district in order to flourish.

3. Family plans and plans with friends will be easier to coordinate.

Finally, I do not believe I have stated anything "revolutionary" here. Am I missing the "big picture" or is the school district just reluctant to change the status quo unless it is absolutely imperative?

Ben Nakagawa

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