Representatives from three mid-Missouri districts that have gone to four-day school weeks will speak at Thursday evening’s community forum at Southern Boone R-1 in Ashland, which continues to consider the possibility of a four-day school week.
Fast-growing Southern Boone R-1 will hold the 6 pm community forum at Southern Boone’s middle school cafeteria. The Hallsville, Harrisburg and Versailles school districts, which have four-day weeks, will be at the meeting, according to district spokesman Matt Sharp.
Southern Boone Superintendent Dr. Tim Roth says going to a four-day school week addresses teacher recruitment and retention and improves work-life balance. He also believes there would be increased family time. He’s aware of potential challenges, saying a committee is looking into challenges with childcare and food insecurity. He says the district is exploring the possibility of district-run childcare on Mondays. Dr. Roth also says Southern Boone R-1 is working with community partners to expand the Southern Boone Buddy pack program.
No decision has been made at this time, according to Superintendent Roth.
Current numbers from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) show that there are now 179 Missouri school districts with four-day weeks. That’s up from 15 districts a decade ago.