Survey shows 77 percent in favor, just 16 percent in opposition
As Ely School Board members ponder a potential move to a four-day school week next fall, they’re now armed with data showing overwhelming support.
Among 358 people who participated in survey of parents, community members and some students, over 77 percent were in favor and just 16 percent opposed, with the remainder either somewhat or strongly opposed.
The breakdown was as follows:
• Strongly support, 242, 67.6 percent;
• Somewhat support, 35, 9.8 percent;
• Neutral, 17, 4.7 percent;
• Strongly oppose, 36, 10.1 percent;
• Somewhat oppose, 22, 6.1 percent;
• Not sure yet, 6, 1.7 percent.
The results come on top of an earlier survey showing three-fourths of staff members in favor, and in advance of an anticipated April 13 school board vote on the matter.
Finances are driving the discussion, given several years of deficit spending by the Ely district and an updated estimate showing the district could save as much as $195,000 in general fund expenditures next year by making the move, according to projections provided this week.
Several nearby districts including County District 2142 (Babbitt, Tower, Cook/ Orr), Lake Superior (Two Harbors/Silver Bay), Mt. Iron-Buhl and Littlefork-Big Falls have already switched to a four-day week and other area schools including Rock Ridge (Virginia/Eveleth) are considering it given trying budget circumstances.
The Ely district needs to trim as much as $600,000 in costs for 2026-27 and the four-day week and a donation of about $215,000 from the Ely Educational Foundation (see related story) would fill much of the gap.
Without those moves, school officials say the district would be exploring deep cuts in programming, courses and staff.
By moving to four days, schools save money in numerous ways, slashing transportation and hourly wage expenditures, as well as substitute costs.
School officials reported that nearby districts have also reported positive experiences with the four-day week, which was noted in an extensive informational packet and “frequently asked questions” included for board members and public review this week.
Reports included in the packet noted that other districts found improved staff morale, cost savings that were even more than anticipated, and improved student attendance.
According to the informational packet, the school day would likely increase by about 40 minutes per day, with the school day starting either at 7:55 or 8 a.m. and finishing between 3:25 and 3:35 p.m., with off days on Fridays, and teachers working on selected Fridays during the school year.
Ely would continue to meet state requirements for instructional hours, and the switch would shave only 11 hours of time from the current school year, with instructional hours falling from 1,045 to 1,034.
The district is exploring flexible and hybrid learning options for juniors and seniors and to potentially expand elective offerings, and school officials say they’ll carefully consider developmental needs when designing schedules for younger students, ensuring appropriate breaks.
Savings come from the impact on hourly and other salaried staff, and these reductions were identified in the information presented Monday:
• Bus driver wages, $18,058;
• Transportation costs, $30,912;
• Paraprofessional wages, $79,413;
• Substitute costs, $30,918;
• Custodian wages, $23,534
• Administration wages, $14,100.
In response to a question from board member Hollee Coombe, district finance manager Jordan Huntbatch said no district employee would lose health insurance coverage because of a switch to four days, but some could change “tiers” of insurance coverage.
District officials acknowledge that child care is a consideration when considering the move to a four-day week, but they are exploring partnerships with community organizations and child care providers to expand available options.
Athletics and school activities would continue under the four-day week model and in districts with current fourday week models, games and competitions often occur on Fridays and Saturdays.
Buildings are expected to be open in a limited capacity, which would allow for some practices and competitions to occur.
A daily schedule will be shared with families and staff before implementation to show class periods, breaks and instructional times.
In addition to the neighboring districts, Ely has been in contact with districts including Blackduck, Carlton, MACCRAY, Ogilvie, Belgrade- Brooten-Elrosa and Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, who have all implemented four-day weeks.
