Littlefork-Big Falls officials are looking at MACCRAY model

CLARA CITY, Minn. (AP) — The MACCRAY school district began its money-saving experiment with a four-day week this year, and so far it’s been a hit with students.
‘‘Awesome,’’ said sophomore Darren Westerman when asked to describe the first three weeks of the district’s new schedule.
His principal, Gary Sims, agrees. ‘‘It’s going really well,’’ he said.
MACCRAY is the first district in Minnesota to join rural districts in 17 other states to adopt the alternative schedule, which promises to save MACCRAY about $85,000 in energy and transportation costs.
Going to the shortened week means the district can park its buses for an extra day, which adds up to big savings with about 700 students spread over 350 square miles including the towns of Maynard, Clara City and Raymond.
Since the beginning of the year, MACCRAY students have arrived 15 minutes earlier and stayed 49 minutes longer than last year.
Sims said he’s received calls from other principals interested in the idea. He predicts other Minnesota districts will ‘‘be looking at this seriously next year.’’
Among the benefits Sims is already noticing are fewer absences by students and teachers, since medical and dental appointments can be made on a Monday when they’re off.
Sophomore Taylor Banta said free Mondays give students time to catch up on sleep and homework, ‘‘because usually on Mondays it would be pretty horrific here.’’
Math teacher Bob Schultz said he tells his students ‘‘if we’re going to make the four-day week work, we have to get as much done in four days as we normally would in five.’’ So far, he said, it’s worked.
Students said they more focused — and they’re the envy of their friends in other district.
‘‘They’re like, ’you’re so lucky. I wish we could have a four-day week,’ said student Erica Jensen.
However, the district won’t declare its four-day schedule a success until it analyzes test scores.
Littlefork-Big Falls students could be attending school four days a week as near as the 2009-2010 academic year, provided there is harmony among administration, the teachers union and the school community.
While aware of the intensive development that lies ahead, the board moved one step closer to a four-day school week at its meeting Wednesday when it decided to schedule meetings with teachers and an open forum with the public
There are 17 states with districts that execute a four-day week, according to Seybert.
Out in front is budget savings and the board is in agreement that with possible state reductions to come, shortening the school week would have more positive benefit than inevitable program cuts which would have a negative effect.

The Daily Journal contributed to this report.