Rainier School District board approves four-day school week starting 2025–26

The Rainier School District board voted to transition to a four-day school week beginning with the 2025–26 school year, carrying the motion 4–0 with one abstention after public testimony and a superintendent briefing.

Board member Mister Rice moved the measure and the motion was seconded; the board chair later abstained, citing "a direct connection to the issue." The superintendent told the board the change would not reduce required student learning hours, noting that many proposed schedules still meet or exceed the district's highest hour requirements: "The number of student learning hours would not decrease," the superintendent said.

Why it matters: supporters told the board the schedule could ease budget pressure, reduce teacher burnout and create time for expanded hands-on learning. A staff representative speaking on behalf of certified staff said the majority of staff favor the change while acknowledging…