BILLERICA, Mass. — A plan to extend the school day in Billerica was voted down, three to two, Tuesday as part of a heated meeting of the town’s school committee.
Billerica Public Schools Superintendent Tim Piwowar said the plan would have added a half hour to the day beginning next year for public elementary and middle school students. But some parents and teachers voiced concerns, discussing the timing of the plan’s rollout, among other things.
Piwowar said longer days would bring Billerica in line with surrounding towns and would help support the academic, social and emotional needs of students.
But a few members of the school committee were frustrated saying they were updated too late to consider the entire proposal.
“It hasn’t been timely. It doesn’t provide us enough time to ask questions. We’re asking questions on the night of the vote. It’s unacceptable,” one speaker said.
Also among issues was the creation of an early release childcare program that would be staffed by paraprofessionals.
“I wish that we were spoken to prior to this so we had knowledge of what he was thinking to do,” said Jami Lucaretti a paraprofessional.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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