Release Students Early? Hinsdale D86 Official Questions Practice

HINSDALE, IL – A Hinsdale High School District 86 board member is questioning the 3-year-old practice of letting out Central and South students early on Wednesdays.

At Thursday's board meeting, member Bobby Fischer said he wanted a "short, low-cost" presentation at January's session before voting on next year's calendar.

"We've heard from many students and parents who would prefer the late-start model that many districts use," he said. "So teenagers can get needed sleep and (there isn't) an hour-and-20-minute empty block before their activities start."

On 28 early release Wednesdays, students lose an hour of classroom time, Fischer said. He suggested the district go to late start days, as its peers do.

It's the board's job, he said, to put together a calendar that puts students first.

In 2022, the board replaced late start Mondays with early release Wednesdays.

Board member Jeff Waters has always opposed early release Wednesdays, citing that as a reason for voting against a teachers union contract.

During previous debates, Waters has said some parents may have to pick up students at the end of the school day, then later for sports. And he has objected to the reduction in classroom time.

As with late start Mondays, officials have said early start Wednesdays give teachers time to collaborate with their peers and help students with their assignments.