UPDATE: The Iron County School District Board is urgently considering a shift to a four-day school week as parents and staff voice overwhelming support. In a recent poll, 71% of school staff and 66.6% of parents expressed approval for the change, which could redefine the school calendar starting next year.
This proposal comes in response to concerns over funding and student engagement. 2,600 parents and 760 school employees participated in the district’s survey, revealing strong backing for the new schedule. Parent Julia Amatais shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I’m for it! He can spend more time with me,” referring to her 10-year-old son.
Iron County is not alone in this consideration. Neighboring Garfield County has already implemented a four-day week, joining Piute and Wayne counties that made similar shifts in recent years. The push for change in Iron County is primarily driven by financial constraints, as the district ranks near the bottom in per-student spending. After voters rejected a school bond in 2024, officials are exploring options to enhance educational quality without additional funding.
According to district spokesperson Shauna Lund, the initial financial savings from a four-day week would be minimal and mostly short-term. “That cost savings would probably occur in the first two years,” she explained, “and then it would even out to about where we are right now.” Research from Stanford University indicates potential savings of only 2% for schools, with mixed results on academic performance and teacher retention.
Concerns about attendance and engagement are also pivotal. Superintendent Lance Hatch noted, “Fridays are by far the least attended day for students. Eliminating Fridays would immediately improve attendance across the district.” Multiple teachers reported that student engagement drops significantly by Friday, with half of the students often absent.
The community will have its say at town halls scheduled for December 2, 2024, where parents and staff can discuss the proposed calendar changes before the board makes a final decision by the end of the year. If the board approves the shift, it will still require state approval to implement the new schedule.
As this story develops, the implications of a four-day school week could have a profound impact on students, families, and educators across Iron County. Stay tuned for updates as community discussions continue to unfold.
