Barrington Bulletin
The most complete and most convenient source for news and information about the borough of Barrington, N.J.
Extending school day, school year faces questions
A bill to create a pilot program that would allow 25 New Jersey schools to experiment with a longer school day and/or school year was already being questioned during Monday’s school board meeting at Avon School.
After a parent asked for specifics of how much time might be added to the day or year, Superintendent Anthony Arcodia explained that the plan is still in very early stages and there is no guarantee that Barrington would be part of it even if it does move forward.
At this point, the plan has not been approved by the full state Senate or General Assembly, having only moved through panels in each governing body. Furthermore, if the proposal to allow up to 25 schools to experiment at no additional cost to local taxpayers does become law, a district can only be selected if a majority of teachers and parents agree to be part of the pilot program.
“The goal of the pilot program will be to study the effects of a longer school day and school year on advancing student achievement, enhancing the overall school learning environment and increasing student enrichment opportunities and educational offerings,” the text of SB 2087 reads.
The N.J. Education Association, N.J. School Boards Association and N.J. Association of School Administrators have voiced their support for the legislation, according to PhillyBurbs.com.
In an informal poll at BarringtonBulletin.com, most have sided against being part of such an experiment as of Oct. 9 (vote below).
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