Winfield students will go to school fifteen minutes longer beginning Jan. 19 so the school year can end a week sooner and save USD 465 some money. Teachers approved the plan by a margin of 188 to 15, district officials said.
The board of education had voted to reopen negotiations with teachers in regard to the yearly calendar because the school district is facing funding shortfalls due to state budget cuts. Adding time to the school day creates 1,200 minutes of instructional time for students.
Board members approved the move to longer days at their regular meeting Monday. The change means the school year will end May 19, six days earlier than first planned.
Schools officials said the district saves about $20,000 for everyday the school year is shortened.
Teachers will have professional development days May 20-21 and grade reporting May 24.
April 5 will remain a snow make-up day and will be come a day of attendance for students if needed. If there are more than two snow days needed this winter, make-up days will be added to the end of the year in May.
Elementary schools and Winfied Intermediate School will attend from 7:55 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Winfield Middle and High Schools will attend from 8 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Details about how the 15 minutes will be allocated will be determined by building principals.
