Ken Schram: Shorter school year idea has merit
SEATTLE -- Maybe it's an idea whose time has come.
During some past legislative sessions, lawmakers have flirted with the notion of cutting back on the 180-day school year.
Now there are reports that local superintendents think that might just be a way to salvage some of the educational savaging that's on the table in the wake of fixing another $2 billion state budget shortfall.
Among the proposed new cuts being looked at: Increasing class size by two students in grades 4 through 12, and slicing away at the levy-equalization money the state pays to property-poor school districts by 50 percent.
The thinking of school leaders is that going to a shorter school year might slow down or stop an eroding education budget that has been battered over the past few years.
If done thoughtfully, I think the idea has potential.
Really, how much education actually takes place in those last 5-days before summer vacation?
The idea of a shorter school year as an economic backstop has merit, particularly when you consider what the alternatives may be.
Something for the legislature to consider when they convene that special session later this month.
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com. You can also hook up with Ken on Facebook.
During some past legislative sessions, lawmakers have flirted with the notion of cutting back on the 180-day school year.
Now there are reports that local superintendents think that might just be a way to salvage some of the educational savaging that's on the table in the wake of fixing another $2 billion state budget shortfall.
Among the proposed new cuts being looked at: Increasing class size by two students in grades 4 through 12, and slicing away at the levy-equalization money the state pays to property-poor school districts by 50 percent.
The thinking of school leaders is that going to a shorter school year might slow down or stop an eroding education budget that has been battered over the past few years.
If done thoughtfully, I think the idea has potential.
Really, how much education actually takes place in those last 5-days before summer vacation?
The idea of a shorter school year as an economic backstop has merit, particularly when you consider what the alternatives may be.
Something for the legislature to consider when they convene that special session later this month.
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com. You can also hook up with Ken on Facebook.
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