BY SUMMER CRANDALL

Most of us are used to thinking of a school week as Monday through Friday. But in 2023, the Independence School District (ISD) shifted to a four-day schedule, running Tuesday through Friday.

Why the change? According to KCUR, a news source that closely follows education, ISD made the transition “with the hope to attract and retain more teachers.” Early signs suggest it’s working.

Now, the community will have its say. In November, voters will decide whether to keep the four-day school week. Teachers, students, and parents have already voiced strong opinions, many of them positive.

A report from KMBC highlights how academics have improved under the new schedule. Reporter Brian Johnson noted, “For the first time ever, Independence schools achieved ‘on target’ or ‘exceeding’ academic growth and performance in every grade and in every subject.”

According to The Journalist’s Resource and KSHB 41 Kansas City News, ISD reported that applications for teaching positions rose by more than 360% compared to the period before the switch to a four-day week. In addition to attracting more applicants, the district says it is retaining more teachers and drawing in experienced educators. For the first time in years, ISD also has all bus routes staffed and every nursing position filled. Supporters argue that ending the four-day week could jeopardize these gains, putting at risk the district’s progress in academic growth, teacher satisfaction, and student well-being.

Of course, challenges remain. Families with younger children, especially in grades K-5, may struggle with childcare on Mondays. ISD has addressed this by offering programs to support students who need supervision on the day off.

As November approaches, the community faces a pivotal choice: whether to continue with a model that many say is fostering success, or to return to tradition and risk losing momentum.