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Rainier district confronts rising chronic absenteeism and discusses a possible 4‑day school week
Summary
Superintendent and principals reported districtwide chronic absenteeism near 45% (RJSHS nearly 52%). The board discussed a potential four‑day week as a possible response, weighing savings and teacher retention against childcare and special‑needs concerns.
District leaders told the board that chronic absenteeism has risen sharply and is a major concern for academic performance.
Superintendent Holloway reported district enrollment of 788 and said the district's chronic absentee rate stood at about 45.5 percent as of January. "We're currently as of the January stand at 45 and a half percent roughly," Holloway said. Principal Williams said Rainier Junior Senior High School's chronic absentee rate is nearly 52 percent and called attendance the district's biggest challenge.
Board members and administrators discussed the potential of a four‑day school week as one strategy other rural Oregon districts use. The superintendent described expected savings—transportation reductions (5–10 percent) and lower utility costs—and potential teacher retention and professional development benefits. "You would see savings in terms of heating and cooling and all those types of things," he said.
Board members raised concerns about longer school days, impact on young children and students with special needs, and child‑care burdens for working families. One board member asked how the district would schedule teacher hours and professional development; the superintendent said those issues would require careful planning and community engagement.
The board did not take action; administrators said they would return with more data and proposals for further discussion and public engagement.
