Parents and teachers urge caution on 4‑day week; several public commenters say meeting time limited participation

Several parents and the Pocatello Education Association used the meeting’s public‑comment slot to urge caution before changing the district calendar.

Jessica Hendricks, a parent of four, told trustees she had to take her children out of school to attend a 2:30 p.m. meeting and questioned why staff and working parents could not attend. “I had to take them out of school to be here,” Hendricks said, adding that many teachers work during that time and that moving meetings to when teachers can attend is important.

Jesse Arnold, another parent, argued for the potential benefits of a 4‑day week — more family time, rest, and opportunities for hands‑on training and community work for students — saying studies show reductions in bullying in some high schools that switched to a 4‑day schedule.

Mary Anne McGrory, president of the Pocatello Education Association, said the union was not advocating specifically for a 4‑ or 5‑day week but asked the board to ensure teachers and classified staff are included in any review. “Please conduct a survey of staff and parents to determine the desire for a 4 or 5 day week,” McGrory said, while also explaining the union often compiles anonymous staff feedback to protect members from potential retribution.

Trustees and administrators said they had received an unusually large volume of feedback after a prior work session and pledged to design a process that collects representative input from teachers, classified staff, parents and administrators before any decision was made.

The board did not adopt any calendar changes at the meeting.