By Iron County Today Staff, For Iron County Today
The Iron County School Board approved the change in a 4-3 vote during its Tuesday, Aug. 25 meeting following more than a year of discussion, research, community meetings and surveys. The district has the option to delay implementation until the 2028-29 school year if additional preparation is needed.
The change will also include academic expectations that will be established as the district develops the new schedule.
According to the district, surveys of employees, parents and students showed strong support for trying a four-day school week. The Utah State Board of Education approved the district’s waiver for the reduced number of school days in June.
Many details of the schedule have yet to be finalized. One option under consideration would maintain the same overall instructional time by extending the four remaining school days.
District officials said the coming months will be used to determine how the schedule will work, establish academic expectations and identify resources for students and families who may need assistance on Fridays.
Iron County will join other Utah school districts that have adopted four-day schedules, including Piute and Wayne counties.