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The
Stanley County School District, #57-1, Board of Education met in
special session November 29, 2006, 5:30 P.M. in the middle
school learning center with Sonny Harrowa, Darby Nutter, Bridget
Miller and John Duffy present. Mork Norman was absent. Others in
attendance were Superintendent Brad Caldwell, Business Manager
Kevin Merscheim and Principals Merry Bleeker and Brian Doherty.
Visitors included Rebecca Cruse, Dr. Tim Creal and interested
school staff, parents and residents of Stanley County.
President Sonny Harrowa called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
President Sonny Harrowa led the pledge of allegiance.
President Sonny Harrowa declared the Board in recess at 5:31
P.M. for the purpose of conducting a public hearing on the
proposed four-day school week.
Dr. Tim Creal, Superintendent of the Custer School District,
reported most schools using the four-day school week are west
river schools. Dr. Creal presented information about the
four-day school week and how it is used in the Custer School
District. Currently the State of South Dakota requires a minimum
of 962.5 teaching hours per year for public schools. The Stanley
County School District schedules over 1,100 teaching hours
during the school year. Most schools using the four-day school
week schedule athletic events on Thursdays, Fridays and
Saturday. The food service programs have also been reduced for
the four-day weeks. Student achievement and attendance remain at
approximately the same rate. No adverse reactions were noted for
special education students. The four-day weeks allow for more
family time and scheduling of appointments for students on
nonschool days. Tutoring and staff in-services can be planned
for the nonschool days. The Custer School District has noted a
positive effect on student behavior and student participation in
activities has increased.
Superintendent Brad Caldwell advised that at the regular
December 10 school board meeting, proposed calendars with daily
starting and ending hours will be presented.
The public in attendance questioned Dr. Creal, the Board, and
the Administration about concerns of this proposal.
President Sonny Harrowa declared the Board back in session at
7:25 P.M.
Duffy moved, seconded by Miller, to adjourn at 7:26 P.M. All
voted aye. |