Colby Public Schools holds BOE meeting, votes against 4-day school week and moves forward on an inclusive playground

by Derek White

COLBY, Kan. — April 28, 2025

The Colby Public Schools Board of Education convened for a pivotal and highly attended meeting Monday evening, with passionate community input and careful board deliberation surrounding the proposed transition to a four-day school week at the high school level.  Held at the Colby Public Schools Administration Board Room, the meeting featured detailed presentations, and survey results. 

Four-Day Week Proposal Sparks Lively Debate

The central topic was whether Colby High School should pilot a four-day instructional week beginning with the 2025–26 academic year. Advocates pointed to teacher burnout, lack of academic intervention time, and mounting extracurricular demands. John Cox, a CHS teacher, spoke on behalf of the high school staff, emphasizing that 75% of teachers coach or sponsor activities, leaving little time to provide individualized support. He argued that “a four-day schedule would act as a pressure release valve” and better reflect the current realities already operating under a fragmented week.

However, strong opposition emerged from both parents and staff at other district buildings. Mindy Bell, a clinical social worker and Colby parent, expressed concern about the academic consequences of fewer instructional days. She cited Kansas Department of Education data showing rural five-day schools outperforming four-day schools in ACT scores and core subjects. Similarly, ESL coordinator Rhianna Austin stressed the importance of continuous classroom exposure for English language learners, warning that reducing the school week would hinder language development for all students.

Others, such as Lucas Haag, a K-State faculty member and Colby resident, presented detailed research analysis, cautioning that larger, less isolated schools like Colby are more susceptible to negative impacts from such a schedule shift. “Is our current student performance so good that we can afford to gamble with it?” Hagg asked the board.

The district shared recent survey data from parents, students, and staff. Among parents of PK–7 students, 67.7% preferred to keep the five-day calendar, while high school parents were evenly split. High school staff overwhelmingly supported the four-day proposal (92.6%), whereas staff from other buildings were far more cautious.

Ultimately, after extensive discussion, the board voted not to move forward with the four-day high school calendar for the 2025–26 school year, citing a lack of clear educational benefits and potential disruption to the broader district.

Other Meeting Highlights

In addition to the calendar debate, the board heard positive reports on the Individual Plans of Study (IPS) program, received updates on the nearly completed ag building, and approved handbook revisions for the 2025–26 school year.

The board also gave unanimous support to a major new initiative: a $1.8 million playground renovation project for Colby Elementary. The effort, spearheaded by a community-led committee, will pursue grants and fundraising efforts, including student-driven activities like “Pennies for the Playground.”

As the meeting concluded, board members acknowledged the difficult decisions ahead and the importance of maintaining unity across all grade levels.