Recess Update

A special subcommittee met at Baldwin tonight from 6p to ~7.30 to address the issue of recess at Baldwin.

Following an introduction by BOE members Alan Meyers and Barbara Dudley to the history of some of the issues, Dr. Forcella gave a presentation on a proposed solution that was worked out in conjunction to with Baldwin Principal Anne Snurkowski.

The proposal would institute a 20/20 situation: 20 minutes of dedicated lunch and 20 minutes of dedicated recess (all kids outside, weather permitting).
In addition, efforts would be made to streamline the lunch purchasing process to provide adequate time to eat.

This extra time would be by shortening each of eight class periods by one minute (43 to 42 minutes) and changing the bus schedule by two minutes.

It will require additional personnel hours in terms of lunch/recess aides and thus will require approval by the Board of Education, including the finance subcommittee.

Members of the community had questions but generally spoke unanimously in favor of the proposal.

Representatives from the BOE did not anticipate a problem getting this on the agenda in August with the anticipated change to be made by the start of the 2009-2010 school year.

The overall process was positive and collaborative.

Special congratulations to Michelle Raiti for her tenacity in working to gather citizens to effect what most appear to agree will be a chang for the better!