The schoolhouse, no longer the heart of the community, has lost its place in the hearts of community residents. Many of today's school buildings are isolated little islands within their communities, used at less than a third of their potential, operating six or seven hours a day, five days a week, nine months a year, while their maintenance, debt service, and other costs continue year-round. Roofs deteriorate, paint fades, equipment depreciates, and grass grows whether or not the building is in use. School buildings are located in most neighborhoods and are usually easy to reach. Schools belong to the public and represent a large public investment.
Schools have good resources and professional staffs.
Traditional school hours leave plenty of time for other uses.