By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The conversation has to begin somewhere. That was the message USD 355 Superintendent Ben Jacobs relayed to board members during Monday's meeting. Major points of discussion included moving to a 4-day school week, cutting the band program at Ellinwood Middle/High School, and cutting the art program at Ellinwood Grade School.
"I think every time we even bring up an idea, people just assume that's what they're doing, we're moving on," Jacobs said. "In order to improve school and improve outcomes, which I think we want to do, we have to brainstorm ideas and we have to discuss those ideas. You can't just go from nothing to end result without completely blindsiding people, but the process of informing means you're going to have to talk about some things and doesn't necessarily mean you're going to do it."
Approximately one hour before Jacobs and the board discussed potential changes to improve the district, the board heard from Stephanie Joiner, a parent of three students currently in the district. She cited data from a University of Oregon database about 4-day school weeks, as well as information presented by Dr. Randy Watson, commissioner of the Kansas Department of Education.
"He was very clear to state that he cannot find evidence that they are recruiting more teachers using this, and he could not find evidence that it has helped achievement scores," Joiner said. "I think it's very important we are looking at our Kansas data when we're making these decisions."
Joiner, who works in higher education, also volunteered to continue to help the board find a best fit for the district moving forward. She said the state-level data does not show a significant negative impact on state assessment scores, "However, they could with ACT scores," she said. She also said national data shows impacts felt elsewhere, including attendance rates and other attendance markers, and that five-days-a-week schools are testing better.
"Cost savings is about 1-2 percent, is what they are finding, and that is a national standard so we're not getting much cost savings by switching to a 4-day week," Joiner said.
Jacobs said because there is little data on the 4-day school week, or because statistics can often be used to validate points for either side, what is available should be used with caution.
"I'm not sure if research is going to lead us to the outcome because you're going to find whatever you want," he said. "I think we need to look at what's the best fit for us. And maybe a 4-day work week isn't that. Maybe more (professional development) isn't. I do know what we're doing right now isn't working. I think we've produced some results that even you guys have said probably need to be addressed."
Other changes discussed Monday evening include cutting the high school and middle school band program and at arts program at Ellinwood Grade School. Jacobs said there are currently 29 total kids in the band programs, including two of his own, but staffing decisions make continuing the program difficult.
"I would love nothing more than to see a thriving band program," he said. "On some level, though, if we want this, where are our kids at? I just evaluate based on how many people enroll in class. I don't make the rules. I try not to bias myself in terms of whether I like it or don't like it. It just is what it is. Is that something we can continue?"
The board also heard from the two principals in the district. EGS Principal Joel Kahnt said several parents already remove their kids from school on Monday or Fridays for extended weekends and that having a 4-day school week could set USD 355 apart from other districts in terms of staff recruitment and retainment. He said any changes in policy that do not work could always be reversed.
"We have to make more time for teachers in order to get the outcomes we want," Jacobs said. "I don't see how we can continue to give them the same amount of time and expect different outcomes."
The board took no action on the matter Monday night. Jacobs hopes to have action items for the board by March or April.