'Not Every Freaking Wednesday': Hinsdale D86 Official

HINSDALE, IL – A Hinsdale High School District 86 board member said Thursday that the district is taking away too much classroom time for teachers to collaborate with their peers.

Member Bobby Fischer was the lone vote against the district's calendar for the next school year. He objected to early-release Wednesdays.

On 28 Wednesdays, students lose an hour of classroom time, which started four years ago. In 2023, the practice was included in the teacher's union's four-year contract.

The time is meant for collaborating and helping students with their assignments.

"I'm for teacher collaboration, just not every freaking Wednesday," Fischer said. "I think it's too much time away from school for kids. I think if we're going to collaborate during the school day, I still feel like teenagers would benefit from sleeping in rather than leaving early."

For years, board member Jeff Waters has expressed opposition to early-release Wednesdays.

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

At Thursday's meeting, member Liz Mitha said she understood Fischer's opposition. But she said it wasn't the best time to reverse the practice, given upcoming union contract negotiations and a new superintendent starting in July.

"Frankly, I don't think that, personally, it's wise to start moving things around right now," she said.

Board members Waters, Baron Leacock and Asma Akhras were absent.