4-Day School Week Report to Trustees Includes Stakeholder Feedback & Budget Projections
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Following months of stakeholder engagement, extensive research and scenario development, and cost savings analysis by Senior Administration and division staff, the Board of Trustees received a comprehensive 4-day school week report at the Board Meeting on January 28, 2025. The report includes feedback from parents, students, staff, union executives, indigenous education partners, Hutterite colonies, and childcare providers, along with budget projections from LRSD's financial department, and professional insights from Senior Administration.
"We are incredibly grateful to all of our stakeholders who participated in this 4-day school week project by sharing your concerns, perspectives, and comments," says Lori Hodges, Board Chair. "Your feedback will help us as we consider the pros and cons of a 4-day school week in light of student success, budget efficiencies, and staff retention and recruitment."
The report was presented by Karly Bond, Coordinator of Communications, Culture, & Engagement, who managed stakeholder engagement and all communication pieces for the project. "I am pleased to report that the Trustees have done what they set out to do," says Bond, "which is to involve and consult our stakeholders in order to understand and acknowledge their perspectives about a 4-day school week. We have heard from parents, staff, students, and partners what is important to them."
HIghlights of the report include potential savings in a 4-day school week scenario totaling $556,100 (about 1% of the Division's annual budget), staff's perception of a 4-day school week impact, and research into local childcare needs and licensed facilities' capacity, which was a priority topic for families.
For the next month, Trustees will review the report and its included data. At the Board Meeting on February 25, 2025 the Board will debate the 4-day school week proposal and make a decision for the 2025-2026 school year.
The Detailed Public Report and 1-Page Summary Report can be found at www.lrsd.ca/4dayweek.
