Melcher-Dallas and Twin Cedars Community Schools are considering the possibility of implementing four-day school weeks beginning next year. 

Scott Bridges, Superintendent of Melcher-Dallas and Twin Cedars Community Schools, says that this model of school is utilized by four schools in their athletic conference and 160 schools in Missouri. Bridges says that while no decision has been made on moving forward with a change for the calendar next year, he believes it could help recruit and retain new staff to both school districts.

“When I first got into education as an administrator, if we had an opening and we put that information out there and I would receive applicants for that, I might receive 15 or 20 applicants for one position, now I’m lucky if I get one or two. So, we think that this could set us apart from others when it comes to hiring and retaining teachers to keep them in our district.”

Bridges adds that the two school boards will hold a joint work session to discuss the matter in the coming weeks, but no action will be taken in that meeting. Hear more from Scott Bridges on an upcoming In Touch with South Central Iowa.