Imbler School Board to Move Forward with Four-Day School Week
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, February 17th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
IMBLER – During the Imbler School Board Meeting on February 15, the board voted to move forward with a four-day school week for the 2023-24 academic year. Specifically, the board moved in favor of a four-day school week as part of a two-year pilot program to be evaluated against academic performance history. This will allow the board to make alterations or drop the four-day week concept at the end of the program should it be found to be unbeneficial. Board members discussed the need to gather both student and teacher feedback as the program progresses.
In addition, board members expressed a preference to maintain 152 student contact days and 8-12 enrichment days during the school year. The final number of contact and enrichment days and how the numbers will be achieved within the new schedule will be decided via committee at a later date. Board members also discuss potential concerns over scheduling teacher in-service days, parent teacher conferences and other work days, noting that sliding Monday holidays would be required as three day school weeks are not possible.
The Imbler School district gave an official release on the decision, stating:
“Imbler School District is excited to announce that after much consideration and public input, the Board has approved a transition to a four-day school week for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year. The move is part of a two-year pilot program, set to be reevaluated after the 2024-2025 school year, with the possibility of extension based on its success.
The decision to transition to a four-day school week was not taken lightly, and the Board recognized that every schedule has both pros and cons. However, after careful deliberation and consideration of public feedback in the form of letters, emails, and comments at board meetings, the Board voted that it was in the best interest of students and staff to move forward with the four-day school week.
Under the new schedule, Monday through Thursday will consist of slightly longer school days, and Friday will be dedicated to enrichment and intervention activities. The specific enrichment days are yet to be finalized, but they will provide additional opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and receive more individualized support.
“We are confident that this transition will provide our students and staff with greater flexibility and opportunities for growth,” said Superintendent Randy Waite, “We look forward to the implementation of this new schedule and the positive impact it will have on our school community.”
The Imbler School District will release a more detailed plan for the enrichment days, along with a new academic calendar that reflects the four-day school week. The district is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for students, staff, and families, and will provide ongoing updates and information as the implementation process progresses.
For more information, please contact the Imbler School District at (541) 534-5331.”
