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  Before making a decision, I am looking for something that the schools would not do without the additional funding, which will make a significant difference in the education of our children.

  In many other countries, a longer school day and a longer school year contribute to better student achievement than in the United States.

  More ‘‘time on task’’ costs big money because teachers must be paid for their additional time. Even adding a mandatory study hall to the day would require additional supervisory personnel.

  Another way to improve education is to improve our ability to obtain more of the most talented of our citizens to teach and inspire our children. ‘‘Master teachers’’ working a 12-month year could not only teach students, but assist other teachers to become even better teachers and develop improved curriculum. Their salary would have to be much higher than the standard teacher salary, which also would cost big money.

  Neither of these changes could be enacted within the current budget. Do our school districts have the vision and courage to propose radical changes like these, which could really make a difference in the education our children receive?
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Ron Moore, Former member and president, Cedar Rapids School Board.