Blackfoot school district considers 4-day week

Superintendent+Kress+presenting+his+State+of+the+District+report

Blackfoot School District Facebook page

Superintendent Kress presenting his State of the District report

Blackfoot School District Facebook page

I have had the privilege of attending a school board work session and a public input session for
a nearby school district that is exploring the implementation of a 4-day school work. During
that time, I came to a very significant realization. One of the invited guests for the work session
was a superintendent of a school in Idaho. He made a statement which resonated with me. He
said, “I will tell you what the biggest obstacle to transitioning to a 4-day school week was in our
district, it was me.” He followed up by saying it was ultimately he who had blocked the
community and district from exploring a 4-day school week. I fear the Blackfoot School District
has the same obstacle. I have been properly quoted as saying, “The Blackfoot School District
will never go to a 4-day school week.” I have no doubt that stance has shut down any and all
discussion about a 4-day school week. It is time I acknowledge the obstinance of my thoughts
regarding this issue.
I have lamented many times that education has turned into a competition for students. I
believe the Blackfoot School District does a great job in this competitive arena. I am now
starting to worry we are not only in competition for students, but employees as well. In the
very near future, we will likely be the only school district in Bingham County that is NOT on a 4-
day school week schedule. I can no longer be the only reason we are not exploring this option
for our district.
I believe the board members know that the Blackfoot School District superintendent works
diligently to get a head start on analyzing the impact of any proposed change to our district. I
have done some initial legwork to help us get an idea how this might impact our district. I am
sharing with the board a preliminary comparison of what a 4-day school week schedule might
look like. I am asking the board to allow me to explore this option with our parents, employees,
and students. I would plan on conducting a survey with the mentioned stakeholders to gauge
the interest in a 4-day school work. If the interest supports further investigation, I would like to
plan a board work session to investigate the impact of a 4-day school week according to
research-based data. If, after these steps, the concept warrants further exploration, I would be
ready to take the necessary steps for the board to make an informed and appropriate decision
regarding this matter.