At a board work session on Tuesday, Pocatello‑Chubbuck school trustees signaled a strong preference for retaining the district’s traditional five‑day school week. The board will cast a formal vote next week, deciding whether to stay the course or shift to a four‑day calendar, and will also consider moving from the current trimester system to semesters.
Community input and survey results
The discussion reflected growing statewide interest in four‑day weeks; last school year roughly two‑thirds of Idaho districts experimented with the model, and 18 of the state’s 76 charter schools now operate on a four‑day schedule. In 2024, Nampa—similar in size to Pocatello‑Chubbuck—became Idaho’s largest district to adopt the change.
Trustees Heather Clarke, Megan Furniss, Deanna Judy and Bill Osborn expressed concerns that a four‑day week could negatively impact learning outcomes and create logistical challenges for staff. Furniss highlighted families who depend on the district’s social‑service programs, noting that only a quarter of families qualifying for free and reduced‑price lunch responded to a recent four‑day‑week survey, leaving a “gaping hole” in the data.
A broader survey of parents and district employees gathered 2,700 responses and revealed a split in opinion: 56%—about 1,500 respondents—said a four‑day week would be ideal. Despite that, trustees emphasized that public education must serve every student, not just families able to arrange childcare on Fridays.
Board members’ reasoning
Board member Bill Osborn pointed to national data showing that only 2% of schools across the country operate on a four‑day schedule, reinforcing his view that the five‑day week remains the better option for Pocatello‑Chubbuck. Deanna Judy described a proposed hybrid model—two Fridays per month of school—as “a huge jump,” and noted that trustee Heather Clarke repeatedly objected, arguing it strayed from the workshop’s purpose.
Clarke, Furniss and Board Chair Raymond Knoff also voiced a preference for retaining the trimester system, citing the ability for students to take a broader range of electives within an academic year. Furniss argued that the trimester schedule supports students’ academic flexibility and better aligns with career‑technical education pathways.
Student career interests and facility updates
In addition to the schedule debate, trustees reviewed a survey of more than 2,000 high‑school students regarding preferred career‑technical education (CTE) offerings. Culinary arts, welding and health professions topped the list, and 78% of respondents said it is important that electives connect to future career pathways. Military science, however, received the least enthusiasm.
Director of Business Jonathan Balls presented a summary of completed facilities‑maintenance projects, including an update on the Highland High School rebuild after the 2023 fire that caused severe damage.
What’s next
The board’s upcoming vote will determine whether Pocatello‑Chubbuck continues with its five‑day week and trimester calendar or adopts a four‑day schedule and semester system. Trustees indicated that the decision will weigh the educational impact on students, the needs of families relying on district services, and the practical considerations for teachers and staff.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in future public forums as the district finalizes its plans.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
