Four‑day week draws mixed feedback in Jefferson SD 14J survey; childcare, meals and learning loss are major concerns

Board members reviewed a distinct section of the district survey that asked about transitioning to a four‑day school week. The presenter said 85 staff and parent respondents answered the section; concerns cited most often were lack of local child care, food insecurity for students who receive school meals, potential academic loss from fewer in‑seat days and uncertainty whether a four‑day week would generate meaningful cost savings.

Survey respondents and board discussion identified both risks and benefits. On the risk side, respondents highlighted child‑care gaps (one comment stated there is ‘no childare in Jefferson’), higher out‑of‑pocket childcare costs for families, possible reductions in classified staff income or FTEs, and logistical challenges for athletics and mandated instructional hours. On the benefit side, staff wrote that an additional day for planning, collaboration and recovery could reduce burnout, improve staff retention and attract new families.

Board members discussed operational details without taking a vote: how to preserve student meals on an off day, whether summer or after‑school options could mitigate childcare gaps, the effect of longer daily schedules to meet instructional‑hour requirements, and how any transition would affect staffing and bargaining units. The presenter said staffing and fiscal impacts remain uncertain and would require further analysis.

The board asked the presenter to include these four‑day‑week responses in the strategic‑planning work session materials for June 15 so members can weigh potential policy and budget tradeoffs before any formal decision.