(Elk Horn, Iowa) – Another Iowa School District has approved transitioning from a traditional five-day school week to four days, effective with the start of the 2025-26 school year. Exira-EHK shared Superintendent Trevor Miller said the Board’s 6-to-1 vote to go ahead with the change, followed discussion that was held during the Exira-EHK School Board meeting Monday evening (March 24th). The concept of a four-day school week for the district was first floated before the board and public back in Sept/Oct. 2024, and included additional meetings and district patron surveys.

The 25-26 School Year will start August 25th.

Miller says they will be working on ways to provide daycare opportunities for those needing it on Mondays.

According to the latest data, 18 public school districts now primarily use four-day school weeks. In southwest Iowa that includes the East Union and Sidney Community School Districts. More than 1,600 school districts in 24 U.S. states are operating a four-day school week. The Stanton Community School District is also exploring the possibility of a 4-day school week for the 2025-26 school year. The Stanton School Board will hold an informational parent meeting in the Stanton Gym on Wednesday, March 26th, at 6:00 pm.

In other business, the Exira-EHK School Board approved Non-Certified, Principal, SBO/HR and Superintendent raises, as well as one-year extension of Superintendent Miller’s contract. They also approved numerous personnel matters (resignations, hires and transfers), including some coaching positions.

The Board also passed a resolution to continue participation in the Instructional Support Program (ISL).