Chinook School Board Holds Public Discussion on 4-Day School Week
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The Chinook School Board held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 20, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Trustee Frank Billmayer at 7:00 pm. Board present in attendance were Frank Billmayer, Kevin Elias, Russell Alisch, Shane Strobe, Teddy Crowley, and Scott DePriest. A number of visitors filled the gallery. Many schools in Montana have made the change to a four-day school week. The Board once again addressed the issue at the April meeting.
Consideration of the School Calendar for 2023-2024 and Four (4) day week was then addressed. Trustee Elias then made a motion for discussion, Trustee Crowley seconded. Chairman Billmayer asked for public comment and public comments ensued. Chinook resident Daniel Dahl thanked the school board members for their time and dedication and commented, "The 4-day week is somewhat of a reoccurring dream, we looked at this about 3 to 5 years ago". Dahl was surprised to hear that Glasgow moved to a 4-day week. Dahl added that "statistics show that testing drops when schools move to a 4-day school week. It's really not saving a lot of money." Dahl asked, "is this more for convenience?" Mr. Dahl acknowledged that we are very sport centered school, "that's why we have some Fridays off, he goes on to ask why we are sports centered when most of our kids are mediocre or not going professional. A 4-day school week is a good idea, we just need to do it right."
Sophomore Brockton Elliot (carries a 4.0 GPA) and has friends and families that attend a school that has a 4-day school week. Brockton stated that he is proud to say that he goes to a school that is a 5-day week. It shows that his school cares about academics. He added that there is no realistic way to make up 27 days of school and handed out statistics and research showing the negative affect of schools going to a 4-day school week. Brockton truly believes that it is detrimental to go to a 4-day school week.
Teacher Sheena Barber commented, "Havre is looking/considering going to a 4-day school week, Harlem school district pays more than we do. We have nothing to bring good teachers to Chinook. Offer something that is more than incentive." Laura Kellam is also a teacher at CHS and stated, "A 4-day school week can help recruit quality teachers. We don't have a lot to offer. Brockton did really well". Ms. Kellam stated, "having those extra minutes actually help student become engaged longer. We can get stuff done without getting interrupted."
Jen Conrad, a resident in the district added, "During COVID, getting work sent home was a struggle. Early outs blow my Friday." Ms. Conrad supports a 4-day school week. Mr. Dahl asked the general public, "What is keeping you here now?" Ms. Barber answered that family, farm and ranch business keeps her here. Ms. Kellam stated that she has been here a long time, the real question is if another school will give her years? Lesa MacLeod a teacher in the district commented, "We are still going to have the same amount of time and the same number of hours. Hoping that absents are less. Maybe people will be more diligent to get students to school when we have a 4-day week."
Chairman Billmayer asked for a discussion and a Board discussion ensued. Chairman Billmayer stated that he understands that teaching has changed. Billmayer talked about the concerns and issues of mischief when giving our kids a 45-minute lunch period. Billmayer added, "going to a 4-day school week and shortening that lunch period could really help with that." Chairman Billmayer also is aware that this is to recruit teachers and retaining teachers. "The board is very supportive of our teachers and hopes that they can see that when they approve of stipends for them to be able to earn more money. The hearts of the board are in a good place when it comes to education.Billmayer wants to look at all our options and tweaking the schedule to the best it can be. "The calendar committee wanted to get this out to the public before agreeing to a new schedule. This change could impact a lot of families.". Trustee DePriest asked if we can consider shortening our days with the kindergarten kids?
Chairman Billmayer stated about providing meals to children on Fridays. Trustee Elias asked about the affect this will have on route bus drivers and classified staff. Mr. Hofman answered the questions. Trustee Stroebe would like to see consistency with our school schedule as he believes that we have already been on a 4-day schedule for the last two years. Fridays are worthless days. Conversation started about athletics and how this schedule could possibly negatively affect spring attendance. Mr. Molyneaux elaborated more on the concerns of a 4-day school week as it pertains to spring sports and attendance.
Mr. Hoffman added, "The board is seriously considering a 4-day school week for 2023-24 and there is a survey available for folks to take. It has been completed by 241 people so far. Information on the results of that survey as of April 18th are available if anyone would like to view them. The board also reviewed around 50 or so comments left by those taking the survey. The board will likely vote on the 4-day week at their May board meeting. The next Regular Meeting the Chinook School Board is scheduled for May 9th, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the High School Room 101.
