Auburn holding early-release workshop Wednesday

AUBURN — The Auburn School Committee Wednesday will hold a special workshop on early release to talk about feedback from the public.

Last week, the committee was scheduled to vote about whether to extend early release from grades K-six to grades seven-12.

After parents spoke strongly for 90 minutes opposing the change and asking officials to slow down the decision, committee members did just that, tabling the item.

“We didn’t have time as a board to talk about what did we hear, what do we want to do next and what’s the timeline,” Superintendent Katy Grondin said Saturday. “We do need a calendar for next year.”

The workshop will allow committee members to discuss options. “We wanted to make sure we get the message out,” she said.

The workshop will be held at 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers of Auburn Hall.

The proposal was to schedule 13 half-day Wednesdays for grades seven-12 next year on the school calendar to allow teachers more professional development time.

David Burke of Auburn speaks during the Auburn School Committee meeting at Auburn Hall on May 3. Burke said he is not in favor of allowing students in grades seven-12 to have early release on 13 Wednesdays.

Auburn teacher Rebecca Skilling tells the Auburn School Committee that early-release Wednesdays at the elementary school level have been a great way for teachers to gain professional development.