Frequently Asked Questions about the Four-Day School Week Proposal considered for Lake Superior School District

At this time, the School Board for Lake Superior School District has not adopted any resolution to move to a four-day school week. However, it is being considered as an option to reduce operating costs without eliminating school programs, course offerings, or increasing class sizes. This FAQ should only be considered informational and not as a final decision.

1. Why is the School Board considering a four-day school week?

a. Reduction of costs without reducing educational programs or course offerings.

b. Projected savings are between $200,000 and $250,000.

c. Instruction programs will remain the same; slightly longer school days and class periods; no reduction in the total amount of instructional time over the school year.

2. What day of the school week will be taken off?

a. The current proposal is to have no week with more than four days; the majority of the weeks will have Friday off with approximately two weeks having Monday off. For example, if a holiday falls on a Monday, there would be school on Friday.

b. Friday was chosen for several reasons:

v Parents’ employers who operate on a four-day work week typically have Fridays off.

v Thursdays are popular days for evening athletic events.

v Long trips for extra-curricular events are typically scheduled for Fridays, which will allow no interruption to the school day.

3. How will a longer school day affect younger students?

a. At this time we estimate the school day to be approximately 35 minutes longer than the current school day.

b. Research studied from other school districts currently operating a four- day week reveals that the students become accustomed to the four-day week by mid-October.

c. Our teachers and principals are sharing ideas to provide opportunities for breaks or a rest time as needed during the school day.

4. What will the school day look like in the four-day proposal?

The school day will likely start at 7:55 a.m, or five minutes earlier than we currently start, and will likely end at 3:30 p.m. We are required to maintain the same total time of instructional minutes as in our current schedule to comply with the Minnesota Department of Education guidelines and Minnesota Statutes. The elementary day will be slightly shorter; likely ending at 3:15 p.m.

5. How will the four-day week affect child care?

a. Due to a longer school day, child care for the four days of school will likely be reduced. However, the off day will require a full day of child care.

b. There are a group of community members and District staff investigating ways of assisting with this issue and working to develop meaningful, educational programs for children to participate on the off days.

c. Our Kids & Company program will be operating at the Minnehaha Elementary to provide child care as it has in the past.

d. We are investigating the options for child care in the Silver Bay area as well.

6. How will the four-day week save money for the School District?

a. Transportation costs in the District are substantial. Our buses cover almost 450,000 miles per year.

b. Heating our buildings is costly. Lowering the heat an additional day per week will result in a large reduction in our utility costs.

c. Food costs are reduced with less meals being served per week.

d. The cost of salaries will be reduced with the reduction of school days.

The School District is required to hold community meetings and provide information regarding the four-day school week proposal. Please watch for the dates, times and locations of these community meetings in the local newspapers. We will also utilize our Instant Alert messaging program to notify our parents of these meetings and will post the meetings on our website: www.isd381.k12.mn.us.