4 Day School Week?
February 11, 2009
Due to the current economic crisis at the national and
state levels, school districts will experience financial
difficulties due to the lack of funding from the state of
Minnesota. Round Lake/Brewster Schools are trying to make the
necessary reductions without affecting current class offerings. We
are exploring the switch to a 4 day/week schedule that would allow
our districts to save money on transportation and energy use. We
project a savings of around $50,000 per year. Our committee members
have been doing research on this topic. Here are a few
highlights:
1. Currently 17 states have schools that are using the 4 day week
schedule. Examples: MACCRAY School District Minnesota, Custer
School District and Wall School District South Dakota
2. Student dropout rate declines
3. Student and teacher attendance improves
4. More positive attitude
5. Student achievement is not affected by the change
6. Sport practice end times will remain the same as before
7. The off days allow students to schedule appointments, allow for
more family time, and offer more part time job opportunities
We are planning to have an open meeting to discuss this topic with
the public. If you need more information, please contact our
committee members: Tracey Haberman and Derek Schmitz (Brewster
board members), Jenny Ellenbecker and Pam Wendland (Round Lake
board members), John Cselovszki (Superintendent), Lon Eichenberger
(Activities Director), Mary Miller and Leann Thiner (HS teachers),
Charlene Wintz and Jeannette Proehl (Elementary teachers) and
Carmen Johnson (Business Manager).
