Editor’s note: This is the continuation of a Q&A written by the Albert Lea Area Schools administration about the proposed adjusted calendar. The first part published Wednesday. The next hearing on the calendar is slated for 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Albert Lea High School.

Q: I hear that the district is going to this new calendar because the superintendent is looking for a new job and he wishes to put this on his resume.

A: The average length of stay of a superintendent in a school district is about 3.6 years. Mike Funk has been the superintendent of Albert Lea since 2009. In September 2014, the Albert Lea school board approved an extension of his contract through June 2018. Funk has two children at Albert Lea High School and another in elementary school. Funk is also busy in his military career as the commander of Minnesota National Guard’s Regional Training Institute at Camp Ripley.

Q: Research is mixed regarding the balanced calendar concept. Why is the district moving forward with its consideration?

A: There is conclusive evidence that indicates a balanced calendar approach to education is beneficial for students considered at-risk. The administration believes that this will also help in the long term with our graduation rate.

Q: Our summers are precious in Minnesota. Why can’t we look at other options for improving student learning?

A: Restructuring the calendar is only one thing we are considering as a district to meet the needs of our students.

Q: How is this going to impact sports?

A: The biggest impact the calendar will have is on double practice sessions in August. If coaches wish to double up, they will have to do it early morning and after school, or two sessions after school. There are no scheduling changes to the events on the sports calendar.

Q: How will this impact other activities?

A: We might have to look at a different date for Tiger’s Roar.