On February 7, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a recommendation for the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District to transition to a 4-day instructional week for the 2024-2025 school year. This decision did not come without a good deal of study and feedback from stakeholders in our community. We greatly appreciate the participation of members of our school community that shared their appreciation and concern for examining this concept.

As we started our examination of this concept in October, we saw this primarily as a mechanism to retain and recruit teachers. The other benefits that were highlighted in studies and shared by those we spoke with were somewhat of an afterthought at first. But when you consider that we do believe that this will serve to improve the mental health of our students and staff, enhance our school culture and climate in a positive manner and make this a destination to learn and work, we believe it can help drive other positive results, to include academic achievement. Our focus will remain on our students and ensuring that this is a great place to learn and grow.

When we return to school next year, we will utilize Monday as our day off. This will be used for professional development for our teachers on a routine basis and time to rest, relax, and recharge. Monday was selected by the Board of Directors as it accounts for the few Mondays where holidays occur, and it will allow our high school students to continue with sports and activities as usual.