ARNOLD, Mo. — The Fox C-6 School District held the first of a series of Community Conversations Monday night to seek input on possibly transitioning to a four-day school week.
Superintendent Dr. Paul Fregeau said the district is seeking public input on the plan, which would help address an anticipated budget deficit.
“We’ve lost about 800 students over the last 10 years," Fregeau said. "We’re projected to continue to lose between 500 and 800 students over the next 10 years. In addition, the COVID funding is going away. Between those two amounts being removed from the budget it presents from challenges going forward.”
“Fox hasn’t had an operating levy increase in approximately 20 years," former school board member Scott Stewart said.
According to Fregeau, switching to a four-day school week would save the district somewhere between $2.5 million and $3.2 million per year.
5 On Your Side asked Dr. Fregeau where those savings would come from if the district switched to a four-day schedule.
“Mileage on vehicles, diesel you use, wear and tear on buses is 20% less, fewer subs, fewer absences, PD time can be on Monday, so we’re not pulling people out of class," Dr. Fregeau said.
Though it’s unclear what a 4-day schedule would look like at Fox, district leaders said students would receive the same amount of instructional time as they do under the current five-day model.
“If they’re talking longer days it’s hard enough to keep their attention as it is," parent Pam Fastler said.
Attendees were asked to fill out a form listing what they like about the idea of a four-day school week, what concerns they have and questions they have.
“A lot of people I know would have difficulty with childcare," Fastler said.
“If we’ve learned one thing from the pandemic it’s that butts in seats matter," Stewart said. "Children need to be in school 5 days a week to maximize their academic achievement.”
“If they choose to go to a longer school year that might work or year-round," Fastler said.
The district plans to hold more public meetings regarding the subject March and April.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.