Commissioner of Convenience

The recent decision of Maine Commissioner of Education, Susan Gendron, to waive the minimum requirement of the 175 day school year makes me wonder. Aren't there enough days in the calendar left for making up the difference caused by "snow days"?

What about alternatives to provide students with the needed educational opportunities?

One of the most common complaints of good teachers is that there just isn't enough time in the school day, or year, for teaching. Undoubtedly there are issues in many districts due to collective bargaining restraints, but it leaves me wondering...

Are we making these decisions to benefit the students?