Earlier this year, the District applied to the Minnesota Department of Education for an extension of our 4-Day Week authorization. We were recently informed that the request was denied.
In her letter, State Commissioner of Education Cassellius stressed that her recommendation a year ago, when we applied, was that we do it for one more year and then go back to the traditional schedule. It is the belief of MDE (Minnesota Department of Education) that our slower growth in academic improvement can be attributed in part to the Four-Day Week model.
All that being said, this means that next year we will be back on the traditional Five-Day Week Calendar. I'm sure there are mixed emotions about this. However, our task, at this time, will be to move forward, build a new calendar based on the Five-Day Week model and make preparations in order to be ready for school to begin next fall.
It is our goal to work with district personnel and community to assure we have addressed all of the needs and requirements necessary to make next fall's opening a successful one. I hope you will all join me in taking this change as a challenge to make this great district even greater.
Keith Lester, Interim Superintendent
Onamia Public Schools
