VIRGINIA — Two Northern Minnesota school boards made decisions about a four-day school week Monday, April 13.
The Rock Ridge School Board voted 6-1 to keep a five-day school week next year, and the Ely School Board voted 6-0 to make the move to a four-day week.
Rock Ridge has been considering the alternative schedule for at least a month as it works to address a $2.5 million budget shortfall. The four-day work week would have saved an estimated $250,000.
The Board didn’t rule out a four-day week in the future. Budget issues aren’t expected to go away any time soon, as school districts grapple with a lack of state aid and declining enrollment.
But Board members generally agreed they want more time to consider the implications of a major move.
“We’re rushing into this because it was put in our heads that this would help us budget, balance our budget," Board member Tim Riordan said. "Now we have gotten to a point where our budget is within percentages of being balanced.”
Mountain Iron-Buhl, St. Louis County Schools, Nett Lake and Littlefork-Big Falls also adopted a four-day week last fall. Deer River attempted to make the change, but its School Board voted no in February. Park Rapids will begin exploring the possibility. Blackduck and Lake Superior have had the alternative schedule for over a decade.
“Some of the schools in the area — other areas, other districts — I’d like to see how it works out for them, No. 1," said Board member Jodi Westby. "No. 2, this is a nice thing to have in the back pocket in case next year’s budget is bad.”
Brandi Lautigar was the only Board member in favor of the change, pointing to a survey that showed the majority of district families supported a four-day week. But Board member Nicole Culbert-Dahl questioned the importance of the survey, saying not enough families filled it out.
Ely Superintendent Anne Oelke wrote in an announcement that the decision to try a four-day school week follows months of feedback and financial considerations.
"The Board believes this change will help the district address the ongoing financial challenges related to staffing, operational costs, and budget sustainability," she said.
"Over the coming months, the district will continue planning to ensure a successful and thoughtful implementation. This work will include developing the academic calendar, adjusting daily schedules, and exploring options to support families."
The Timberjay reports the district estimates $200,000 in savings with the move, a significant chunk of the $500,000 it aims to cut this year. Ely has cut nearly $700,000 over the last two years.
