DRIGGS, Idaho — On Monday, Dec. 11, The Teton County School Board voted three to two in favor of adjusting the school schedule to a four-day school week, which will go into effect beginning fall of 2024.
Board members Michael Adams, Alexie Hulme and Ray Hinchcliff voted in favor of the new school calendar year, which follows the school district’s recommendation as presented by Superintendent Megan Christiansen, according to Teton Valley News.
Teton County School District 401 first discussed the option of a four-day school week in Dec. 2022. In October, Christiansen and her administrative team reintroduced the idea of moving the district to a four-day schedule citing staffing retention concerns and the need for educators to find more time to collaborate.
A two-question survey was available for 48 hours, closing this past Friday, and was sent to parents with students in the school district asking if the calendar options would present additional child care needs. The survey was also sent to school patrons, staff and educators and the results showed that those who participated in the survey supported a four-day week.
Hinchcliff emphasized that they would be seeking collaboration with the community in finding solutions with the issues that come with the four-day school week. The school district will evaluate and gear programs to adjust to the new schedule, according to Teton Valley News.
Last night’s meeting can be found on YouTube.
