DPI reports on instructional‑time and 4‑day week waivers; 15 districts currently on four‑day schedules

Department of Public Instruction staff reviewed state reporting on two recurring waiver categories: (1) waivers of instructional unit time (allowing fewer than the statutory clock hours for some courses) and (2) approved four‑day school‑week waivers.

Instructional‑unit time waivers: DPI staff explained that statute and administrative code require 150 clock hours for science and CTE courses and 120 clock hours for other courses but that local high schools may apply for waivers if they shorten class periods or otherwise change schedules. Approved waivers are initially valid for one year, may be extended for one year, and then can receive multi‑year (two‑year) extensions under DPI rules. For the 2025–26 school year DPI reported one district (Bowman County) on a one‑year extension and several districts on two‑year extensions (for example: North Sargent, Ellendale, Dakota Memorial, Shiloh Christian). Several other extensions are due to be renewed this spring.

Four‑day school week: DPI staff summarized the criteria and approval timeline for a four‑day calendar set out in ND administrative code and noted that, for the current year, 15 school districts have approved four‑day week waivers. The first‑year waiver is valid for one year; if approved for extension, the next extension is one year, and later extensions may be authorized for up to five years. The department must determine whether a proposal will likely meet one of the statutory goals (innovation, educational opportunity, facility use or substantial cost savings). The administrative code defines substantial savings as $40 or more per student.

State review and performance: DPI staff said the department may review waivers and extensions to verify that educational, operational or financial goals were achieved. They also said the department has not systematically analyzed the academic performance of districts before and after approval but agreed that better outcome analysis would help evaluate long‑term effects.

Ending: DPI told the committee it will continue to monitor waiver renewals and noted that some approvals issued before current policy changes will come up for renewal in the next year, allowing the department to review outcomes and consider additional guidance on the evidentiary standards needed to justify multi‑year extensions.