Parents like 4-day school week, quality of education

Parents of students in Boundary County School District like the four-day school week.

Their children like it more.

And most parents also feel their children are getting an adequate education.

That’s according to a survey sent home with students in kindergarten through 12 grade to about 1,500 parents. Of the one-third who responded, this is what they said:

• 81 percent want to continue the four-day school week.

• 82 percent feel their children are getting an adequate education.

• 91 percent said their children like the four-day school week.

• 73 percent of parents believe the school district provides adequate funding for education.

• 86 percent believe the district’s buildings are adequate.

• 43 percent say the state provides its fair share of funding.

• 80 percent believe there are enough teachers in the district.

• 86 percent say, that generally, the school district meets the educational needs of the district.

Superintendent Dr. Don Bartling said the survey was done “to see how well we’re doing in the community.” It also was sent home to see if parents were content with the four-day school week, which is in its fourth year, and whether or not it should be continued.

“It’s a barometer to check with parents to see if we need to improve,” Bartling said. “I was very pleased to see parents as happy with the education.”

“I’m very happy about it,” added Melanie Staples, chairwoman for the board of trustees. “It’s positive and I think it was a good thing we did it.”

The four-day school week was implemented to save money. Instead of an approximate six-hour day, five days a week, students now have approximate eight-hour days.