Four-day week under review

By Janice Kurbjun
Times staff writer

Little Snake River Valley School could go to a four-day week next year.

Given the ongoing wrestling match in Carbon County School District 2 about the pros and cons of such a schedule, district 1 officials have examined the possibility under every light.

Carbon County District 1 School Board members raised concerns that echoed those of residents. Through surveys, community discussions and staff meetings, Baggs residents said they have explored their options thoroughly and mostly lean toward adopting the new schedule.

Concerns were voiced about support staff schedules, pay reductions and accurately gauging whether the community understood that a four-day week could mean that children are at home while parents are working.

“There appears to be strong community support,” said Neil Terhune, district 1 associate superintendent.

Duane DeWald, district public information officer, outlined the results of the survey of the Baggs community which showed overwhelming support for the four-day week and strong community support for child care on the days students would not be in school.
The survey also turned up things board members want addressed.

Some members of the community said they aren’t well-informed about how the schedule would iron out. And some parents worried they might not be able to find adequate care for their children on Fridays.

LSRV school staffers say the small school could benefit from the schedule by increasing student-teacher contact time and by opening up remediation opportunities for lagging students. Often, kids are on the road due to family reasons, appointments that require a full day’s travel and school events. Though the schedule is still in the works, the idea is to provide a day for such activities.

“It’s a big change, so there’s reservations,” LSRVS Principal Rick Newton said.
The School Board and the LSRVS staff agreed if a four-day week is implemented, there will likely be kinks. To provide an opportunity to iron those out, the schedule should roll out as a three-year plan.

“We have to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best, but it won’t be perfect as it goes forward,” Terhune said.