Southern Boone School District considers adopting four-day school week
Marie Moyer
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect when the district began discussions about the change, as well as what each day of the week will consist of under the proposed plan.
Southern Boone School District may soon join the more than 25% of Missouri school districts that have adopted a four-day school week.
According to the district, discussions about the change began in May and a survey was sent to parents and staff in June. A committee was formed and their first meeting was held in August.
Under the proposed plan, the school week would run from Tuesday to Friday from 7:50 a.m. to 3:25 p.m., around 30 to 40 minutes longer than the current school day. Wednesdays will no longer have a 2 p.m. early release. One Monday a month during the school year will also be used for staff professional development.
Monday would be reserved as an off-day for holidays and for students to have a day for things like doctor or dentist appointments.
The school adds that the change may help with staff recruitment and retention, improve attendance, increase instructional time, and provide more personal time for parents and students.
The district recognized issues with childcare and food insecurity in discussions and is exploring partnerships in the community.
A+, FLEX, and the Nichols Career Center programs will not be affected, the district said. Mondays will also be used as make-up days if the school runs out of snow and AMI days.
The district plans to have an informational presentation on the schedule change on October 9 at 6 p.m. in the Southern Boone Middle School Cafeteria. Questions can be submitted ahead of the meeting.
A final proposal of the plan will be presented to the Board of Education in December for a vote. If approved, the four-day week would go into effect for the 2026-27 school year.