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Mead School District board discusses piloting a modified four‑day school week to save money and aid staff retention
Summary
Superintendent Wayne Wormstead presented three calendar models (160–162 instructional days with added daily minutes) and estimated possible annual savings of roughly $30,000–$50,000 while emphasizing the need to preserve instructional minutes and survey staff and parents before committing to a pilot.
Superintendent Wayne Wormstead urged caution and comprehensive planning as the board considered three modified four‑day‑week calendar options for 2026–27 designed to keep total instructional minutes intact. He said the research shows “student learning is not impacted as long as you don't lose instructional minutes,” and outlined operational hurdles including bus scheduling, staff development timing, and impacts on winter activities and coaching obligations.
Administration estimated potential savings between $30,000 and $50,000 depending on busing contracts and staff development restructures, and proposed a phased communications and survey plan: consult with the teachers’ union (MEA), survey staff before Christmas, then survey families so the board could make a final decision in March. Several board members and one student speaker raised concerns about schedule stability for teachers and the effect on juniors and extracurriculars; administration recommended a pilot trial with a sunset (MOU) and additional supports for after‑school care if surveys indicate high demand.
