4 day school week 4 day school week public meetingpublic meeting

March 30March 30thth 2009 2009

Brewster gymnasiumBrewster gymnasium

7:00PM7:00PM

AgendaAgenda Overview of Districts’ current situationOverview of Districts’ current situation Options to considerOptions to consider Four day week researchFour day week research Financial Savings with the 4 day week optionFinancial Savings with the 4 day week option Pros and cons Pros and cons Proposed 4 day week calendarProposed 4 day week calendar Proposed 4 day week HS scheduleProposed 4 day week HS schedule Proposed 4 day week Elem. ScheduleProposed 4 day week Elem. Schedule AthleticsAthletics Teacher days 5 days vs. 4 daysTeacher days 5 days vs. 4 days Feedback from districts currently on a 4 day week scheduleFeedback from districts currently on a 4 day week schedule Mr. Greg Schmidt Superintendent of MACCRAYMr. Greg Schmidt Superintendent of MACCRAY Public input Public input

Overview of RLB’s current situationOverview of RLB’s current situation

Current fund Current fund balances:balances:

Brewster: $412,511Brewster: $412,511

RL: $420,626RL: $420,626 Enrollment Enrollment

projection:projection: We will lose 29 We will lose 29

students from 2007-students from 2007-08 through the 08 through the 2013-14 school 2013-14 school years. We receive years. We receive $6,000/student $6,000/student funding from state funding from state and local revenues.and local revenues.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

Brewster

RL

RLB

20072007-08-08

20082008-09-09

20092009-10-10

20102010-11-11

20112011-12-12

20122012-13-13

20132013-14-14

BrewsBrewst.t.

172172 164164 158158 151151 147147 147147 139139

RLRL 113113 9999 103103 107107 119119 115115 117117

RLBRLB 285285 263263 261261 258258 266266 262262 256256

Overview of RLB’s current situationOverview of RLB’s current situation 2007-08 financial report (audited) for Brewster and Round Lake:2007-08 financial report (audited) for Brewster and Round Lake: RLB: Revenues: $3,217,384 RLB: Revenues: $3,217,384

Expenditures: $2,934,118 Expenditures: $2,934,118 2008-09 projected2008-09 projected RLB: Revenues: $3,085,384 (loss of 22 students)RLB: Revenues: $3,085,384 (loss of 22 students) Expenditures: $3,051,483Expenditures: $3,051,483 +$33,901 +$33,901

Stimulus money:+$61,118Stimulus money:+$61,118 2009-10 projected2009-10 projected RLB:RLB: Revenues: $3,073,384 (loss of 2 students) Revenues: $3,073,384 (loss of 2 students)

Expenditures: $3,143,028 (3% proj. increase) -$69,644Expenditures: $3,143,028 (3% proj. increase) -$69,644 Stimulus money:+$59,002Stimulus money:+$59,002

2010-11 projected2010-11 projected RLB:RLB: Revenues: $ 3,055,384 (loss of 3 students) Revenues: $ 3,055,384 (loss of 3 students)

Expenditures: $ 3,237,319 (3% proj. increase) -$181,935Expenditures: $ 3,237,319 (3% proj. increase) -$181,935 2011-12 projected2011-12 projected RLB:RLB: Revenues: $ 3,103,384 (gain of 8 students) Revenues: $ 3,103,384 (gain of 8 students)

Expenditures: $ 3,334,439 (3% proj. increase) -$231,055Expenditures: $ 3,334,439 (3% proj. increase) -$231,055

Overview of RLB’s current situationOverview of RLB’s current situation

2012-13 Projected2012-13 Projected

RLB: Revenues: $ 3,079,384 (loss of four students)RLB: Revenues: $ 3,079,384 (loss of four students)

Expenditures: $ 3,434,472 (3% proj. increase)Expenditures: $ 3,434,472 (3% proj. increase) -$355,088-$355,088

2013-14 Projected2013-14 Projected

RLB: Revenues: $ 3,043,384 (loss of six students)RLB: Revenues: $ 3,043,384 (loss of six students)

Expenditures: $ 3,537,506Expenditures: $ 3,537,506 (3% proj. increase)(3% proj. increase) -$494,122-$494,122

Current undesignated fund balance: $833,137Current undesignated fund balance: $833,137 - -$1,177,823$1,177,823

Projected undesignated fund balance if we do nothing:-$344,686Projected undesignated fund balance if we do nothing:-$344,686

Options to ConsiderOptions to Consider Reduce band to 1 FTE: savings of $18,000Reduce band to 1 FTE: savings of $18,000 Combine remaining athletics and fine arts programs with Combine remaining athletics and fine arts programs with

SSC: savings of $20,000SSC: savings of $20,000 Consolidation between Round Lake and Brewster with a two Consolidation between Round Lake and Brewster with a two

building option: savings of $24,000 building option: savings of $24,000 Consolidation between Round Lake, Brewster and SSC with Consolidation between Round Lake, Brewster and SSC with

a four building option: savings TBDa four building option: savings TBD Transition to a four day week schedule: savings of Transition to a four day week schedule: savings of

$31,892.76$31,892.76 Hard pay freeze to all district employees (union has to Hard pay freeze to all district employees (union has to

agree) savings of $41,000agree) savings of $41,000 Ask the union of Brewster/Round Lake to give the 2% staff Ask the union of Brewster/Round Lake to give the 2% staff

development set aside back to the districts: savings of development set aside back to the districts: savings of $33,000$33,000

Four day week researchFour day week research Board members and Superintendent attended the Board members and Superintendent attended the

MACCRAY 4 day week presentation January 2009MACCRAY 4 day week presentation January 2009 School Board formed a four day exploratory committee at School Board formed a four day exploratory committee at

the January board meetingthe January board meeting Committee met and did a literature reviewCommittee met and did a literature review Committee met with SSC’s 4 day committeeCommittee met with SSC’s 4 day committee Site visit to MACCRAY Public SchoolSite visit to MACCRAY Public School Public Hearings: March 30Public Hearings: March 30thth Brewster, April 6 Brewster, April 6thth RL, April 13 RL, April 13thth

BrewsterBrewster School board decision: April 20School board decision: April 20thth If Decision is yes: File paperwork with MDEIf Decision is yes: File paperwork with MDE MDE renders decision by June of 2009MDE renders decision by June of 2009 Implement 4 day week by Fall of 2009Implement 4 day week by Fall of 2009 If decision is no: continue with current 5 day schedule, If decision is no: continue with current 5 day schedule,

continue to explore other reduction optionscontinue to explore other reduction options

What did the research tell usWhat did the research tell us Currently 16 states have schools that are using Currently 16 states have schools that are using

the 4 day week schedule. Examples: MACCRAY the 4 day week schedule. Examples: MACCRAY School District Minnesota, Custer School District School District Minnesota, Custer School District and Wall School District South Dakotaand Wall School District South Dakota

Student dropout rate declinesStudent dropout rate declines Student and teacher attendance improvesStudent and teacher attendance improves More positive attitude More positive attitude Student achievement is not affected by the Student achievement is not affected by the

changechange The off days allow students to schedule The off days allow students to schedule

appointments, allow for more family time, and appointments, allow for more family time, and offer more part time job opportunitiesoffer more part time job opportunities

Financial savings with the 4 day Financial savings with the 4 day optionoption

Bussing: $18,495.00 Bussing: $18,495.00 Utilities: $8,656.76Utilities: $8,656.76 Subst. costs: $4,741.00Subst. costs: $4,741.00 Total savings: $31,892.76Total savings: $31,892.76 These are the projected savings These are the projected savings

without making any cuts to non-without making any cuts to non-licensed instructional staff that we do licensed instructional staff that we do not intend to do at this time. not intend to do at this time.

Pros and ConsPros and Cons PositivesPositives Financial savings (up to $40,000/year) Utilities, bussing, sub Financial savings (up to $40,000/year) Utilities, bussing, sub

pay. Savings could be even greater and increase yearly pay. Savings could be even greater and increase yearly (fuel costs) Economic problems seem to be worsening. (fuel costs) Economic problems seem to be worsening.

Equal or greater amount of student/teacher contact time. Equal or greater amount of student/teacher contact time. No loss of academic hours or student achievement.No loss of academic hours or student achievement.

Possible increased enrollment due to open enrollment Possible increased enrollment due to open enrollment additions.additions.

Time for teacher inservices, trainings, meetings, and Time for teacher inservices, trainings, meetings, and parent/teacher conferences.parent/teacher conferences.

More efficient use of secretarial and custodial staff (get More efficient use of secretarial and custodial staff (get more accomplished on off days).more accomplished on off days).

Improved attendance for both students and staff.Improved attendance for both students and staff. Improved attitudes and morale.Improved attitudes and morale. Lower drop-out rate and discipline referrals.Lower drop-out rate and discipline referrals. More time for student and staff personal business.More time for student and staff personal business. Easier for students to have part time employment.Easier for students to have part time employment.

Pros and ConsPros and Cons Easier to make up snow days on off days instead of at the end of Easier to make up snow days on off days instead of at the end of

year.year. Extra day to help on the farm.Extra day to help on the farm. School is being proactive not reactive.School is being proactive not reactive. Bus depreciation and use is less.Bus depreciation and use is less. Nonschool clubs/organizations can meet.Nonschool clubs/organizations can meet. Can possibly use paras on off days to tutor (keep their hours up)Can possibly use paras on off days to tutor (keep their hours up) Eliminates half days and families having to pick up students in Eliminates half days and families having to pick up students in

middle of day. Half days also tend to decrease student performance.middle of day. Half days also tend to decrease student performance. May increase breakfast eating at school and also increase May increase breakfast eating at school and also increase

free/reduced meal applications thus increasing revenue.free/reduced meal applications thus increasing revenue. Includes some longer 4-5 weekends and may eliminate students Includes some longer 4-5 weekends and may eliminate students

missing for family vacations. missing for family vacations. Feedback from MACCRAY site visit: parents enjoy having Monday off. Feedback from MACCRAY site visit: parents enjoy having Monday off.

It makes Sunday more relaxing and available for more family time.It makes Sunday more relaxing and available for more family time. Poses the method for fewest cuts in classes offered and in teacher Poses the method for fewest cuts in classes offered and in teacher

positions. positions. 

Pros and ConsPros and Cons

NegativesNegatives Longer day may create attention problems Longer day may create attention problems

esp. for younger students.esp. for younger students. Later times on bus for students.Later times on bus for students. Day care concerns for parents on the day off.Day care concerns for parents on the day off. Sports— missing more class in spring for Sports— missing more class in spring for

afternoon games.afternoon games. Less time for bus drivers.Less time for bus drivers. May pose problems for students participating May pose problems for students participating

in sports with other schools (hockey, in sports with other schools (hockey, wrestling).wrestling).

Proposed four day week calendarProposed four day week calendar

Mondays are the off days (many holidays Mondays are the off days (many holidays fall on Monday: Labor Day, MLK Day, fall on Monday: Labor Day, MLK Day, President’s Day, Easter Monday, Memorial President’s Day, Easter Monday, Memorial Day) We also created longer weekends by Day) We also created longer weekends by taking Friday off vs. Monday before these taking Friday off vs. Monday before these holidaysholidays

No more half days (except last day in No more half days (except last day in December and last school day)December and last school day)

148 day student contact148 day student contact 157 days of teacher contract157 days of teacher contract See handoutSee handout

High school schedule comparisonHigh school schedule comparison 2008-09 5 day week2008-09 5 day week 2009-10 4 day week2009-10 4 day week Period 1: 8:00-8:50Period 1: 8:00-8:50 Period 1: 7:55-8:57Period 1: 7:55-8:57 Period 2: 8:53-9:43Period 2: 8:53-9:43 Period 2: 9:00-10:02Period 2: 9:00-10:02 Period 3: 9:46-10:36Period 3: 9:46-10:36 Period 3: 10:05-11:07Period 3: 10:05-11:07 Period 4: 10:39-11:29Period 4: 10:39-11:29 Period 4: 11:10-12:12Period 4: 11:10-12:12 Lunch: 11:29-12:17Lunch: 11:29-12:17 Lunch: 12:12-12:55Lunch: 12:12-12:55 Period 5: 12:17-1:07Period 5: 12:17-1:07 Period 5: 12:55-1:57Period 5: 12:55-1:57 Period 6: 1:10-2:00Period 6: 1:10-2:00 Period 6: 2:00-3:02Period 6: 2:00-3:02 Period 7: 2:03-2:53Period 7: 2:03-2:53 Period 7: 3:05-4:07Period 7: 3:05-4:07

2008-09 5 day week2008-09 5 day week 2009-2010 4 day week2009-2010 4 day week 413 min/day x 176 days: 413 min/day x 176 days: 492 min/day x 148 days: 492 min/day x 148 days: 72,688 min. 72,688 min. 72,816 min.72,816 min. Actual instruction:350minx176 days= 61600minActual instruction:350minx176 days= 61600min Actual instruction:434min x 148 Actual instruction:434min x 148

days=64,232minutesdays=64,232minutes

Time difference of 128 minutes more for the 4 day week schedule per Time difference of 128 minutes more for the 4 day week schedule per yearyear..

Time difference of Time difference of 2,632 minutes more2,632 minutes more instructional timeinstructional time for the 4 day for the 4 day week schedule per year. Also an additional 624 minutes instructional week schedule per year. Also an additional 624 minutes instructional time due to elimination of 4 half days.time due to elimination of 4 half days.

Elementary scheduleElementary schedule School starts at 7:55AM ends at 4:07PM School starts at 7:55AM ends at 4:07PM No change for morning pick up timesNo change for morning pick up times Breakfast will start at 9:00AMBreakfast will start at 9:00AM Instructional time for core subjects will Instructional time for core subjects will

increase (see handout of proposed schedule)increase (see handout of proposed schedule) Core subjects will be scheduled in the morningCore subjects will be scheduled in the morning Use the Boost Up, PE and Music time to break Use the Boost Up, PE and Music time to break

up the dayup the day Tutoring is available on the off days (Mondays) Tutoring is available on the off days (Mondays)

for 3 hours (transportation is not provided) at for 3 hours (transportation is not provided) at both buildings for K-12 students!!both buildings for K-12 students!!

AthleticsAthletics 4-day school week Extracurricular schedule proposal:4-day school week Extracurricular schedule proposal: Fall practiceFall practice Round Lake Round Lake 6:156:15 Brewster Brewster 6:306:30 Winter practice (early)Winter practice (early) Brewster Brewster 6:006:00 Round Lake Round Lake 6:156:15 Winter practice (late)Winter practice (late) Round Lake untilRound Lake until 7:007:00 Spring practice Spring practice Heron Heron LakeLake 6:156:15 BrewsterBrewster 6:306:30 Wednesday practices are completed as in the past, 6:00. Some Wednesday practices are completed as in the past, 6:00. Some

practices, most likely during the winter, the varsity/b teams may practices, most likely during the winter, the varsity/b teams may practice in the morning due to the short amount of time after practice in the morning due to the short amount of time after school on Wednesdays.school on Wednesdays.

No junior high practice or games on non school days. (Mondays) No junior high practice or games on non school days. (Mondays) Events and activities will occur on Monday evenings as usual.Events and activities will occur on Monday evenings as usual. Rotate afternoon classes to avoid missing the same class when Rotate afternoon classes to avoid missing the same class when

athletes need to leave earlyathletes need to leave early

Teacher work hoursTeacher work hours 5 days vs. 4 days 5 days vs. 4 days

Teacher work load:Teacher work load: 2008-092008-09 176 student contact days, 4 days of in-service, 2 days of 176 student contact days, 4 days of in-service, 2 days of

parent teacher conferences. Total working minutes for 182 parent teacher conferences. Total working minutes for 182 days:days:

7:30AM-3:23PM=7 hours and 53 minutes x 176 days= 83,248 7:30AM-3:23PM=7 hours and 53 minutes x 176 days= 83,248 minutes + 1,920 minutes in-service + 840 minutes of parent minutes + 1,920 minutes in-service + 840 minutes of parent teacher conferences = teacher conferences = 86,008 total contract minutes for 86,008 total contract minutes for 182 days182 days

2009-10 proposal2009-10 proposal 148 student contact days, 4 days of in-service, 2 days of Staff 148 student contact days, 4 days of in-service, 2 days of Staff

Development, 2 days of parent teacher conferences 1 day Development, 2 days of parent teacher conferences 1 day during the summer. Total working minutes for 157 days.during the summer. Total working minutes for 157 days.

7:25AM-4:37PM= 9 hours and 12 minutes x 148 days=81,696 7:25AM-4:37PM= 9 hours and 12 minutes x 148 days=81,696 minutes + 2,208 minutes of in-service + 840 minutes of minutes + 2,208 minutes of in-service + 840 minutes of parent teacher conferences + 1104 Staff Development days + parent teacher conferences + 1104 Staff Development days + 480 min summer = 480 min summer = 86, 328 minutes total contract time 86, 328 minutes total contract time for 157 days.for 157 days.

Testimonials Testimonials ““I am a kindergarten teacher in Deuel. I have 5 I am a kindergarten teacher in Deuel. I have 5

children of my own that go to school here. They children of my own that go to school here. They have adjusted just fine. One of my children has have adjusted just fine. One of my children has ADHD tendencies and I was really worried that he ADHD tendencies and I was really worried that he would struggle with the 3 days off. He has done would struggle with the 3 days off. He has done surprisingly well. My oldest daughter is a surprisingly well. My oldest daughter is a sophomore and has threatened to leave if our sophomore and has threatened to leave if our school would ever switch back to a 5 day week. I school would ever switch back to a 5 day week. I was very skeptical when our superintendent was very skeptical when our superintendent proposed this 4 day week, but I have to say it has proposed this 4 day week, but I have to say it has worked just fine.worked just fine.Hope this helps,”Hope this helps,”Lynn Stoltenburg, Deuel, SDLynn Stoltenburg, Deuel, SD

TestimonialsTestimonials ““I am a first grade teacher who has been here for 28 years. I am a first grade teacher who has been here for 28 years.

I would be happy to give you my perspective of our four I would be happy to give you my perspective of our four day week. My First graders do well with the four day week. day week. My First graders do well with the four day week. At the beginning of the year, we have some transition time, At the beginning of the year, we have some transition time, but you will have that even with a five day week. We teach but you will have that even with a five day week. We teach reading, math, spelling, phonics, handwriting, creative reading, math, spelling, phonics, handwriting, creative writing, social and science. There was a concern about writing, social and science. There was a concern about carryover with a three day weekend and then starting all carryover with a three day weekend and then starting all over when the students came back on Monday. We really over when the students came back on Monday. We really have not seen this to be a problem. I can honestly say that I have not seen this to be a problem. I can honestly say that I am glad that we have made the switch!!! I would have a am glad that we have made the switch!!! I would have a hard time going back to the five day week. I have found hard time going back to the five day week. I have found that we get more done, we cover more material, we plan that we get more done, we cover more material, we plan better, we discuss more with coworkers, we take time to better, we discuss more with coworkers, we take time to share more, we work on technology more, we spend time share more, we work on technology more, we spend time researching more, etc. It has been a win-win situation. I researching more, etc. It has been a win-win situation. I know that the parents like it and the kids--especially the know that the parents like it and the kids--especially the upper level.” Margit Fritz, Deuel SDupper level.” Margit Fritz, Deuel SD

TestimonialsTestimonials

““When I came on board at Deuel, my When I came on board at Deuel, my teaching partners told me that they covered teaching partners told me that they covered more reading curriculum in the 4 day week more reading curriculum in the 4 day week than they ever had in the past. I have than they ever had in the past. I have become a big believer in the 4 day. It takes become a big believer in the 4 day. It takes a little while to get past some of the mind a little while to get past some of the mind sets that we have carried with us for MANY sets that we have carried with us for MANY years. It is a change and change never years. It is a change and change never comes easy but it has been a great thing.”comes easy but it has been a great thing.”

Heidi Steffensen, 1st Grade TeacherHeidi Steffensen, 1st Grade Teacher

Feed back from Mr. Greg Schmidt Feed back from Mr. Greg Schmidt MACCRAY Superintendent on the MACCRAY Superintendent on the

4 day week implementation 4 day week implementation Please welcome Mr. SchmidtPlease welcome Mr. Schmidt

Public InputPublic Input

If you have questions or comments If you have questions or comments please come to the front and use one please come to the front and use one of the two microphones. Please limit of the two microphones. Please limit your comments to the topic your comments to the topic discussed. No personal attacks will discussed. No personal attacks will be tolerated at anytime!! Please limit be tolerated at anytime!! Please limit your comments to 2-5 minutes.your comments to 2-5 minutes.