For over one hundred years our school calendar has been following the agrarian needs of our forefathers. For several decades books have been written and arguments for year-round schooling in America have been brought forth with the idea that our need for competitiveness in the world demands more time in schools.

With the closing of so many institutions of education due to the coronavirus, the opportunity to change the calendar to save money, if for no other reason, is ripe at this moment.

Millions and eventually billions of dollars would be saved, if schools were shut down during the winter months instead of the summer months.

The heating bills alone would be tremendous. Next the lighting for all schools would be reduced dramatically because of the length of daylight hours in summer months. Snow removal in more than half of the states would be reduced dramatically, as would be the use of de-icing chemicals. Treacherous winter travel from home to schools and universities would be reduced or eliminated.

Kids standing in the dark and blustery cold mornings waiting for the bus or coming home well after dark from after-school activities would be over. Sure the changes would be disruptive to life as we know it, but what better time to implement such changes while our lives are currently disrupted by this world changing event? How about a survey on this subject?

Wayne Brown

Heuvelton