Dear Editor,
As a teacher, I must respectfully voice my disagreement with the proposed two-hour extension to the school day. While I understand the intention behind the plan is to improve academic outcomes, reduce youth delinquency, and support working parents, I believe this solution oversimplifies the complex issues our education system faces.
Extending the school day does not automatically translate to better results. In fact, many of our students are already overwhelmed, and simply keeping them in school longer could lead to burnout rather than improvement. Quality of instruction, not just quantity of time, is what makes a difference. A tired student and a tired teacher will not produce the results we’re hoping for.
Moreover, although the proposal claims teachers will be compensated, the language around “voluntary participation” raises concerns. In practice, “voluntary” in education often becomes “expected.” Teachers are already stretched thin, juggling overcrowded classrooms, behavioral challenges, and sometimes even filling parental roles. Adding more hours, regardless of pay, may only worsen burnout and drive more teachers out of the system.
If we truly want to support students, let’s focus on meaningful reforms: smaller class sizes, better training, more counselors, improved school infrastructure, and family support services. Real transformation takes more than just longer hours, it takes deeper investment in people and systems.
We all want what’s best for our children. But we must ensure that our solutions are thoughtful, sustainable, and backed by evidence, not just good intentions.
I am,
Kewayne Davidson,
Educator