Townsend Schools Strategic Planning
Author: Kevin McDonnell, School Board Trustee
Townsend Schools Strategic Planning There are critical issues being discussed in the Townsend Schools Strategic Planning sessions. I am writing to encourage Townsend School stakeholders to pay attention and participate as the decisions will impact the quality of education in Townsend for many years to come. There is information on the planning process on the school website and a schedule of upcoming planning sessions. I am hoping more members of our community take the time to provide input into this process. Additionally, there is a board election in May with two seats up for election.
The central issue from the beginning of the planning sessions has been the question of the school going to a four-day week or continuing with the five-day week. The information available and the results of the research comparing the pros and cons of the two schedules are decidedly mixed. In some rural schools, the implementation of a four-day week has not affected academic performance, or in some cases, there has been improvement at some grade levels. Other studies demonstrate that there is a long-term decline in academic performance and that after a few years, standardized test scores will begin to decrease.
Our community has invested heavily in improving the learning environment of our school. This decision will also have an impact on the educational opportunity of every student who attends there for a long time to come.
It is a matter of what direction we chose for our school, and deciding if quality education is truly a top priority.
Best Regards, Kevin McDonnell Townsend Schools Trustee
