Carroll would become the first county in the state to have year-round schooling under a proposal by school board President Gary Bauer.
“I?m a firm believer in this process,” Bauer said. “I think we should start looking at this as a possibility.”
Bauer says a 12-month school year would give students, particularly those who are struggling, more time to learn.
He asked Superintendent Charles Ecker to gather research about year-round schooling in other states so board members could make a well-informed decision.
This marks the first time Carroll has “seriously” discussed year-round schooling, though the idea has come up in the past, said Carey Gaddis, schools spokeswoman. The county could start with one of its six Title I schools, which receive federal funding to help boost student performance, and see how it works, Bauer said.
“We can start with the students who would benefit most,” he said.
But some board members expressed skepticism.
“I don?t want to waste anybody?s time because the amount of information I would need [to decide] would be astronomical,” said Cynthia Foley, a board member.
Most, while not as favorable as Bauer, were open to the idea.
“I?m extra skeptical,” said board member Jeffrey Morse, “but I?m willing to give the chance to convince me.”
Board member Patricia Gadberry also wanted to learn more before making any decisions.
“Looking into it is not a bad thing,” Gadberry said. “We can gather some more information and make a decision then.”
Students, too, remain undecided and need of more information, Rachel Van Parys, the board?s student representative.
A transition to year-round classes would take several years because officials would have to get additional funding and change people?s attitudes, said Barry Potts, president of the Carroll County Education Association, the Carroll teachers? union.
Older teachers would probably be resist the change most, he said, while younger teachers might be more open to the idea.
“I?m not opposed to it,” he said. “Our kids lose too much time when they?re out of school for 10 weeks.”
