Dierks School District considering 4-day week

Members of the JoAnn Walters Elementary and Dierks High School PPC presented the Dierks School Board with a staff survey concerning a 4-day school week.

According to the survey, 90-percent of the staff was in favor of a 4-day week. The PPC reported it would help eliminate teacher and student absenteeism, as well as, help with the recruitment and retention of teachers.

According to the PPC members, the next step will be to survey the parents.

Superintendent Jody Cowart discussed the reasons the district is researching the 4-day week.

Board members also approved the re-hiring of both principals.

Cowart said Gene Strode and Lori Finley have done a great job, especially during a pandemic.

Cowart also reported the JoAnn Walters Elementary construction project is nearing completion and the elementary playground equipment has been delivered, but may not be installed until summer.