The Carlton School District is engaging in a marketing campaign to share the benefits of their new four day school week with area families.

The school board announced the approval of the change back in April amid strong opinions both for and against it. The proposal held that the shorter school week will have benefits for both students and teachers as well as address issues with the districts operational costs.

According to a Northern News Now report, the school district will spend $25,000 on a marketing campaign to share the benefits of their new approach. Their goal is to both retain the students currently in the district and attract more students and faculty who are interested in the new operational plan.

Under the plan, Carlton students would go to classes for an extra 25 minutes from Monday to Thursday and have no classes on Friday. Students would have more time for things like volunteering and seeking academic help with the shorter week. Officials also believe the shorter week will be a huge benefit for the mental health of their students. Teachers would still work on Friday, freeing up more time for them to work on lesson plans for the following week.

Additionally, the school would still provide free breakfast and lunch for students on Fridays. For parents with younger children concerned about the added cost of childcare on Fridays, the school will also offer childcare services.

The shorter school week is an option that may spread throughout the Midwest region as schools struggle with increased operational costs and declining enrollment. Over the past year, many school districts across Wisconsin have turned to operational referendums to balance their budget without having to cut programs or lay off staff. Those operational referendums often include a rise in property taxes for area residents.

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