Dear Southern Boone School District Families,
The Southern Boone School District and Board of Education continue to explore the possibility of transitioning to a four-day school week, beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.
Since August, a committee of administrators, teachers, parents, and board members has met twice, with additional work taking place between meetings. The group has carefully reviewed the results of parent and staff surveys, identifying a number of key benefits, concerns, and questions raised by stakeholders. In their discussions, members have focused on a wide range of topics that impact both students and staff. These include teacher recruitment and retention, student engagement and well-being, and work-life balance for both students and staff.
The committee has also examined the challenges related to student achievement, childcare availability and affordability for families, as well as access to school-provided meals for students who rely on them. Together, these conversations are helping shape a clearer picture of the opportunities and challenges involved as the district continues to study this issue.
For more information and resources about a potential four-day school week, visit sbschools.us/fourday.
Why Consider This Change?
Recruit & Retain Teachers: Offers a competitive edge against larger nearby school districts, improves work-life balance, and supports professional growth.
Attendance & Instructional Time: Fewer disruptions with the option of moving appointments to Mondays and professional development outside classroom hours.
Family & Student Benefits: More consistent schedules, increased family time, and opportunities for rest, enrichment outside of the classroom, or work.
What Would a Four-Day School Week Look Like?
The 2026-2027 calendar would start the same week as previous years, because Labor Day is later and the school year would end before Memorial Day.
The proposed school day would likely be 7:50 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. for students.
Mondays would be the non-school day, with one Monday each month reserved for teacher professional development.
The current 2 p.m. early release on Wednesdays would be eliminated.
Challenges Being Discussed
Childcare: The district is exploring partnerships with local providers and the possibility of district-run childcare on Mondays.
Food Insecurity: Working with community partners to expand the Southern Boone Buddy Pack Program. Collaborating with OPAA for potential meal pick-up options on Mondays.
Adjustment Period: Recognizing that families and staff would need time and support to adapt to a new schedule.
Decision Timeline
No decision has been made at this time. Surveys, committee discussions, and community presentations are ongoing. A final proposal will be presented to the Board of Education in December 2025 for a formal vote.
Scheduled Community Presentation
We invite you to attend a Four-Day School Week Community Program on Thursday, October 9th, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Southern Boone Middle School Cafeteria. The evening will include a short presentation and overview, followed by a question-and-answer session with a panel of representatives from nearby districts that have already adopted a four-day school week. Parents, staff and community members can use the link below to submit questions in advance of the program.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR THE PROGRAM
Additional Information
A full list of Frequently Asked Questions, a sample four-day school week calendar, an informational video presentation, survey results, example calendars from neighboring districts, and a timeline are available by clicking the link below.
Four-Day School Week Information Page
We remain committed to a transparent process and will continue providing regular updates as discussions move forward. Thank you for your feedback, questions, and engagement in this important conversation for our school community.
Yours in Education,
Dr. Tim Roth
School Superintendent