School board receives report on four-day school week

By Rob Vogt

The Livingstone Range School Division board of trustees has received a report on a proposed four-day school week, and will make a decision at its next meeting.
The division issued a release on Jan. 28 stating that following months of stakeholder engagement, extensive research and scenario development, and cost savings analysis by senior administration and division staff, the board of trustees received a comprehensive four-day school week report at the board meeting on Jan. 28.
The report includes feedback from parents, students, staff, union executives, indigenous education partners, Hutterian Brethren colonies, and child-care providers, along with budget projections from the division’s financial department, and professional insights from senior administration.
“We are incredibly grateful to all of our stakeholders who participated in this four-day school week project by sharing your concerns, perspectives, and comments,” said Lori Hodges, board chair. “Your feedback will help us as we consider the pros and cons of a 4-day school week in light of student success, budget efficiencies, and staff retention and recruitment.”
The report was presented by Karly Bond, coordinator of communications, culture, and engagement, who managed stakeholder engagement and all communication pieces for the project.
“I am pleased to report that the trustees have done what they set out to do,” said Bond. “Which is to involve and consult our stakeholders in order to understand and acknowledge their perspectives about a four-day school week. We have heard from parents, staff, students, and partners what is important to them.”
Highlights of the report include potential savings in a four-day school week scenario totaling $556,100, which is about one percent of the division’s annual budget; staff’s perception of a four-day school week impact; and research into local child-care needs and licensed facilities’ capacity, which was a priority topic for families.
For the next month, trustees will review the report and its included data.
At the board meeting on Feb. 25, 2025 the board will debate the four-day school week proposal and make a decision for the 2025-2026 school year.
The detailed public report and one-page summary report can be found at www.lrsd.ca/4dayweek (no dashes or spaces).