In West Glacier, support for four-day week

Plans to switch to a four-day week at West Glacier Elementary got a warm reception at a meeting last week.

Some parents voiced support of the idea, which also includes adding seventh- and eighth-grade instruction.

About 15 parents and community members attended the informational meeting with some voicing favorable comments on the changes. School staff and the school board's three trustees were also on hand.

"West Glacier has a phenominal academic program," Principal Cortni King told those in attendance.

The district is looking to make the changes next fall. The board still has to vote on the proposal.

King said the change to a four-day week would reduce the school's carbon footprint, provide financial savings and would likely be beneficial to many parents who are seasonal employees.

"It would be an opportunity to have a family day (on Fridays)," she said.

Four-day schedules also often result in fewer student absences because of doctor or dentist appointments, she noted. Students often have to miss a full day because such offices are located so far from the school.

King estimates that the energy savings would be about $750 per year. The school would also save money because janitorial services would be needed for one less day.

Transportation costs would also likely be reduced. The district's current transportation contract doesn't expire until 2011 and until its renegotiated the actual savings is uncertain.

"We'll likely see the big impact in transportation," said King. "Transportation is one of our bigger expenses."

Under the revised schedule students would attend school from 7:55 a.m. until 4:20 p.m. Students would spend 7.5 hours in the classroom with the remaining hour taken up by lunch, recess, etc..

The school year would still recognize the same holidays and begin and end dates as School District 6. Thirty-five days would be shaved from the schedule.

King said students would still receive over and above the Office of Public Instructions requirements for instruction hours.

"There's more in-depth coverage of curriculum," said King. "There's less transition time and more time to focus on academics."

Younger students could be released earlier, at 3:15 p.m., and still meet state requirements. A 'structured play time" would be provided until 4:20 p.m. or parents could pick up their children early.

A long day is not necessarily as productive for the younger students, King noted.

ALSO PROPOSED is the addition of seventh- and eighth-grade levels to the school.

West Glacier is approved to teach kindergarten- through eighth-grade students. However, it "outsources' its seventh and eighth graders to Columbia Falls. Most sixth graders chose to attend Columbia Falls Junior High as well.

King expects a three-year cycle before a full junior high program would be in place. Most students at CFJH wouldn't likely return to West Glacier. This year's fifth graders would be retained next year.

Seventh and eighth grade would operate on a modified block schedule that would include physical education all school year, Spanish instruction and electives.

West Glacier would need at least two students registered to have a junior high program. King says that would be achieved.

Adding grades to the school could have financial incentives. Increases in enrollment would mean an increase in the district's annual per-student funding from the state. West Glacier would receive about $6,000 per seventh- and eighth-grade student and about $4,700 per kindergarten- through sixth-grade student.

Taxpayers in the district would see about a $2 increase on homes valued at $100,000.

The bump in funding would allow the school to hire either two part-time or one full-time faculty member, said King. Current staff would teach some subjects to the older students.

Adding students could help the school's funding over the next few years. Enrollment at the school is 24 this year, which is a decrease from prior years.

THE BOARD is considering both changes separately, but one would not likely happen without the other.

"It would not make sense to stagger," said King. "I don't want the students to get used to one schedule and then violently change it the next year."

Several folks asked questions about the proposals at the meeting.

Scott Brown, whose granddaughter Amanda is a fifth grader, said he's for the changes.

"I think you have a good idea," he said. "I'd like to be able to spend more time with my family."

Board chair Casey Heupel said the school is always looking at ways to keep the school functioning.

"We thought this looks great. Why not take a more in-depth look at it?" he said.

Another meeting on the changes will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the school. The school board is scheduled to vote on the changes at its next meeting, on April 21.