Trustees debate four-day week, alternative calendars and student supports as district seeks approval

The Sweetwater County School District #1 board discussed alternative calendars and the district’s four-day school week during the board’s February meeting, including survey results, academic measures and community concerns about longer holiday breaks.

Miss Bolton, the district official presenting the calendars, said the district had one calendar to send for state approval because of alignment issues with Western Wyoming Community College and other local partners; the calendar presented begins Aug. 20 to avoid semester scheduling conflicts with college classes. She said spring break was moved to the fourth week in March to align with Western and to reduce conflicts for student activities.

Bolton summarized survey results the district previously collected from staff, parents and students. The last survey had about 1,100 parent respondents, 411 staff and 34 students. Key percentages cited by Bolton included: parent support for the four-day schedule (K–6 parents 74.6%; 7–12 parents 70%), student support (about 86%), and staff support (about 80%). She told trustees the district had seen K–8 reading increases and mixed results in math; high school proficiency had decreased in recent years in several measures, and testing and assessments have changed over time, complicating direct comparisons.

Trustees raised equity and food-security concerns tied to the length of Thanksgiving break and other long holidays. Several trustees and the superintendent described existing “backpack” food programs and district efforts to keep kitchens or food shelves available during long breaks, but they said those measures may be limited and asked staff to continue working with community partners to fill gaps.

The board chair called for transparency and public outreach around the calendar choice. Trustee comments reflected division: some trustees supported the four-day model for teacher planning, professional development and recruitment reasons; others said the district should do more outreach to community members and expressed concern about a five-day Thanksgiving break and instructional loss. Trustees noted the district can amend the calendar in future years and can apply for calendars for up to five years under state scheduling rules but said they prefer not to lock in long-range calendars because state rules change.

A motion to approve the alternative schedules for in-town schools, Desert School and Farson-Eden School for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 school years was moved by Miss Wood and seconded by Dr. Franks; the transcript records extended discussion but does not include a final recorded vote in the provided excerpt.

Ending: Trustees asked staff to continue outreach, to post materials online and to consider additional surveys or community engagement before any future calendar changes are finalized.