McDonald County to switch to four-day school weeks this fall

The McDonald County School District is shifting to four-day school weeks.

The Board of Education made that decision in a vote Tuesday night, citing a shortage of certified teachers in their classrooms.

The school has posted an explainer on their website with a list of frequently asked questions that parents may have.

Now over 30% of state’s districts have adopted this shortened week, including Sarcoxie, Jasper, East Newton, Aurora, Pierce City and Miller.

A new study found 4-day school weeks have a neutral impact on student achievement in the state but do help with teacher morale.

This comes as the Missouri Legislature is debating a bill that would mandate five-day school weeks unless the general public approved them, but it would only apply to districts in counties or cities with a population of at least 30,000.

In August, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said school districts in the state should stick with five-day weeks.