Lake Villa shortens school week

Students in Lake Villa are going to have an additional hour of free time every Friday beginning in the fall.

Lake Villa Elementary School District 41 has increased its number of early release days from nine per school year to every Friday, in order to give teachers additional preparation time they have requested.

"We know this is a significant change and we don't take that lightly," said Superintendent John Van Pelt. "But we feel there is a pretty compelling need to do this."

Alex Barbour, executive director of teaching and learning, said this year's creation of professional learning teams is what is driving next year's increase in early release days.

The district has about 40 teams of teachers who monitor student progress and curriculum implementation, Van Pelt said.

The additional hour every Friday will allow teachers to work in their small groups.

Two community forums were held earlier this year to discuss extended early release days before the school board voted on the change in March.

"We do not have 100 percent of our parents saying this is a wonderful thing, but the rationale behind this was explained," Barbour said.

The concern for many parents is child care, which Van Pelt said the district has discussed.

"I don't see any way the district could take this on," Van Pelt said. "But the consideration is not completely off the agenda and there may be some further discussion."

Antioch School District 34 has had early release every Wednesday for several years.

"Initially it caused some issues because of child care after school, but the community has really embraced it," said Superintendent Scott Thompson. "I think everyone understands this is necessary to be able to train our teachers."