The Littlefork-Big Falls school community should serve as an example of how to come together to consider resolution of a problem that affects all members.
Regardless of whether the Littlefork-Big Falls school district moves forward with a four-day school week, the community and school officials have certainly handled exploration of the idea in a manner that invited everyone to come to the table.
Meetings held this week offered the community a chance to get more information and speak their minds about the idea. The meetings were well attended and the idea well researched by school officials and community members, some of whom offered comments respectful of one another’s opinions.
It makes sense for school officials to further poll residents. Moving to a four-day school week would impact more people than just parents; it would bring changes to all taxpayers in the district, including those who do not have children attending school there. Board members say they will digest community input on the proposal to help the make a balanced decision.
District officials are also wise to invite the community to take part in helping solve budget concerns for the upcoming school year. Officials began exploring the non-traditional school week only after realizing that school finances are in a difficult situation now, and only expected to get tougher in the future. Already, cuts have been made to help balance the budget.

And without the approximate $90,000 per year savings that would be brought by a four-day school week, officials and the community will need to consider making deeper cuts that involve staff, as well as programs and services now offered by the district.

Homework on the four-day school week proposal is of value even if the plan is rejected now. Other school districts considering such an idea may gain from L-BF’s work, and the Littlefork-Big Falls community may revisit the idea in the future, should the school district’s finances require adjusting.
Everyone involved deserves credit for coming together to consider how to move forward in the best interests of the students and the community.