Rock Ridge board rejects four-day school week, affirms five-day schedule
Loading...
Summary
After an extended debate over budget savings, transportation and student supports, the Rock Ridge School Board voted down a proposed four-day school week and passed a motion to retain a five-day schedule for 2026–27.
The Rock Ridge School Board voted down a proposal to shift the district to a four-day school week and instead approved maintaining the current five-day schedule for the 2026–27 school year.
Trustees spent more than an hour debating the proposal, weighing community survey results, potential budget savings and logistical concerns. A motion to adopt a four-day week failed on a 1–6 vote after trustees raised questions about transportation, the effect on students who rely on school meals, and the need to negotiate changes with the teachers’ contract.
Board member (speaker 3) said the district had not held sufficient public meetings and said she was “not ready” to move to four days. Student speaker Corbett Haney urged caution, saying a four-day week could limit extracurricular participation for students who can’t get transportation on the off day and suggested, if adopted, the day off should be midweek. Trustee supporters of four days pointed to a district survey and said some districts that adopted four-day weeks later found ways to provide childcare and supports.
Superintendent (speaker 7) told trustees the district did not need four-day savings to balance the budget and that staffing and licensure rules would complicate any rapid shift; he recommended more study and private staff conversations about placement and recall before any change.
After the failed motion, trustees quickly moved to formalize staying with five days. A subsequent motion to retain the five-day week passed 6–1. Board meeting minutes show multiple trustees said the option could remain under consideration during future budget cycles but that teacher contract negotiations and more community engagement need to precede any change.
The board did not adopt new calendar language tonight; trustees directed administration to continue budget work and return to the board with more information if circumstances change.
The board’s discussion began at the meeting’s agenda item on the school week and concluded with votes rejecting the four-day proposal and approving the five-day schedule.
