To the editor:

We have two grandchildren attending Alba-Golden and I am very concerned about the planned instruction change from a five-day school week to a four-day. This change will extend the kids’ school day by a significant amount of time.

I have never been an elementary or high school instructor. I did teach a 16-week technical training course for the Navy from 1980 to 1983. Our day went from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a one hour lunch. The main reason it was kept to eight hours was because studies demonstrated that after about eight hours, it became more difficult to keep the students’ attention and still get them to absorb any learning.

I suspect the change from five days to four will mainly benefit teachers and administrative staff. The purpose of school is for the students to learn and increase their knowledge, not to make life easier for the staff.

Before Alba-Golden jumps off a cliff, it would be prudent to determine if there has been an impact on statewide testing results in schools which have already changed to a four-day school week as opposed to five-day weeks.

Additionally, change to a four-day class week will impact daycare needs and also food insecurity for children who depend on school meals for breakfast and lunch during weekdays.

This is really important! We are dealing with the future of our children, state and our nation.

William J. Carter

Alba