RAVALLI COUNTY, Mont. — Faced with staffing challenges and financial constraints, Montana’s Florence-Carlton school district opted to adopt a four-day school week, aligning with many smaller districts in the state. The decision comes as the district grapples with the loss of 50 students and the cessation of pandemic-era funding. Situated in a rural area, Florence struggles to compete with neighboring districts offering higher teacher salaries.
The staffing crisis in Florence has been acute, with high school principals stepping in as substitute teachers due to unfilled positions. Superintendent Todd Fiske noted the persistent vacancies, including a paraprofessional position open all year. A four-day school week emerged as a potential solution to attract and retain staff, while also providing families additional time together. A community survey showed 51% support for the change, leading to a 3-to-1 school board approval. Starting this fall, school days will extend by 45 minutes, with Fridays off.
However, the transition has not been without controversy. Public meetings were packed with opponents threatening to withdraw support for future budget levies. Some parents filed complaints, and one family even initiated a lawsuit, fearing educational setbacks from the schedule change.
“Ninety-nine percent of the people in this room have not been to a meeting that I’ve seen,” board chair Matthew Roth remarked during a heated public meeting.
The four-day school week is a growing trend in Montana, with nearly 40% of districts adopting it. A University of Montana study highlighted potential academic drawbacks, noting lower reading and math proficiency in four-day districts. Despite these findings, the model continues to appeal as a recruitment tool, with over 80% of new teachers preferring the shorter week.
While some states like Idaho and New Mexico are reevaluating the four-day system, Montana remains largely committed. The state’s legislative framework allows schools this flexibility, though studies suggest that the four-day week might not be beneficial for academic achievement.
In Florence, Jason Breckenridge, who sued against the change, expressed concerns over the district’s decision-making process. Despite the legal challenge, a county judge ruled in favor of the district, affirming the board’s compliance with public participation requirements.
As the district moves forward, families like Breckenridge’s are exploring alternatives, including homeschooling and sending kids to nearby five-day schools. The community remains divided, with many parents weighing the benefits of extra family time against potential educational impacts.
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