The South Central Calhoun Community School District continues exploring the option of a potential four-day alternative school week by seeking community’s feedback through surveys and public forums. Superintendent Brad Anderson says he started exploring this option back in April 2024, asking other school districts who implemented the alternative week and how it was working for them. Anderson says he then brought it to the school board’s attention in October as a potential way to work through some of SCC’s challenges.
SCC administration and the board first sent out staff surveys, with approximately 76 percent in favor of the four-day school week. Anderson says parents and community members have more mixed feelings, with 42 percent in favor and 43 percent against. Anderson says concerns addressed by community members and parents were all valid and goes to show how passionate the community is towards students in the district.
Anderson says the district is not opposed to looking into different programs to offer to assist with the concerns, like a school-based daycare or utilizing a back-pack program for student to get nutrient-based meals and snacks when school is not in session. Anderson says one misconception he wants to address is teacher pay and the number of contracted hours.
The district is currently receiving student feedback surveys, which will be presented to the board during their Feb. 17 meeting. Anderson says he appreciates everyone who has attending the forums and has voiced opinions and concerns as everything will be considered when it comes to making that final decision.
After students’ surveys are reviewed, board members will look at everything addressed and are expected to make the final decision at the March board meeting at the very latest so the district can get implementing schedules ready to go for the upcoming school year.
