Voters in Independence, Missouri, have agreed to let the Independence school district continue to operate on a four-days-a-week classroom schedule.
KSHB-TV reports that voters in the district had to weigh in on the district's schedule because of a 2024 state law that requires school systems with a population of 30,000 or more to put the issue to a public vote.
About 62% of those voting cast their ballots in support of the school district's four-day schedule.
The school board voted in 2022 to move to a four-days-a-week calendar to attract and retain high-quality staff. The district contends the change has workled; teacher retention up nearly 10% at 90.8%.
"In the midst of a nationwide teacher shortage and with educators consistently underpaid, {Independence] sought a creative alternative to attract and retain teachers despite limited funding for additional compensation," the district's website says.
Cindy Grant, Independence's interim superintendent, says the four-day week has attracted more experienced teachers.
