Glen Ellyn Dist. 41 may add 35 minutes to school day

Officials in Glen Ellyn Elementary District 41 are negotiating adding 35 minutes to the school day next year.

As part of teacher contract negotiations, the school board and the Glen Ellyn Education Association are proposing the longer day for all elementary schools, starting with the 2015-2016 academic year.

Currently, the elementary school day runs from 9 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. The new schedule calls for an 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. school day, according to an email sent to District 41 parents and staff.

The new schedule would accomplish three goals: fewer transitions for students, collaboration and planning time for teachers and more uninterrupted blocks of time for instruction in literacy, math, science and social studies, according to the email.

When asked about the proposal, Glen Ellyn Education Association Co-President Brian Bonkowski referred questions to district Chief Communications Officer Erika Krehbiel.

But Krehbiel said she could not provide further information because it's a part of contract negotiations.

The teachers union is slated to vote on the proposed schedule change tonight, school board President John Kenwood said. Pending approval, the school board also would have to vote on the change.