District ponders 4-day school week

Citing declining enrollment, the Troy School District is looking into the possible benefits and disadvantages of going to a four-day school week.

Troy District 1 Superintendent Dan Wendt said the schools likely will have a decision by Dec. 10, the date of that month’s school board meeting.

The public opinion window is still open to assist board members and Wendt with the decision. An open survey will be on the district Website Oct. 15 to 21 so every inclined individual with an Internet connection can anonymously express his or her opinion.

Further, a public meeting will take place 7 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Troy High School Auditorium.

“We expect a lot of public input,” Wendt said. “It seems like more districts are moving to a four-day week. There must be a reason for that. We are looking into it.”

Local school districts such as Alberton, Noxon, Hot Springs, Plains and Bonners Ferry all use four-day or modified four-day school weeks.

Many of them have used the argument that while saving money, it also frees up athletes from missing school, as many sporting events happen Fridays.

Because a certain number of hours are needed to be accredited by the state, there are two ways to make four-day weeks a reality.

First, is to increase the length of the school day, the second would be to increase the length of the school year.

Wendt is quick to state that this would not be a rash decision.

“I don’t know if I have a strong preference one way or another,” he said. “Whatever is best for our students is what matters.”

You may reach Wendt at his email,  dwendt@gmail.com, or by phone at the School Administration building, 295-4606.