AFTON, Iowa — EDITOR'S NOTE: The above video is from Monday, April 15
Another Iowa school district will switch to four-day school weeks beginning this fall.
The East Union Community School District, located in Afton, will officially switch to a condensed week beginning next school year. The East Union School Board of Education approved the new schedule at its meeting Tuesday.
Under the four-day school week schedule, students will generally attend classes Tuesday through Friday. View the calendar here.
In February, the district cited teacher recruitment and retention as the primary benefits of a shortened school week. The district also released survey data from parents, community members, staff and students, with the majority of individuals indicating they supported the switch.
"The districts that have been utilizing a [four-day] week report less staff turnover and better success filling open positions," the district said at the time.
More recently, the district held a public forum for community members to learn more about the change and voice concerns.
The move by East Union reflects a growing trend among central Iowa school districts. Cardinal Community Schools and the Mormon Trail Community School District have already implemented the four-day schedule.
Meanwhile, other districts such as Martensdale-St. Marys and Saydel will move to a four-day week for the 2024-25 school year.
The 2024-2025 school year will begin for East Union students on Friday, Aug. 23.