New schedule proposed for Monett schools: A 150-day school year would lengthen days, shorten year

Monett school officials have proposed a very different scheduling strategy for future school years, something never attempted in southwest Missouri. The approach would stick to the five-day school schedule but modify the length of school days and introduce two summer school options. 
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Isaac Sooter outlined the proposal for school board members on Sept. 17. A version went to parents on Sept. 25 for feedback. Superintendent Dr. Mark Drake and Sooter stressed the proposal is “a work in progress” with several details yet to be determined. 
Sooter explained the modified schedule goes back to the four-day school debate. The shorter week, adopted by many smaller districts, has proven attractive to teachers who find the alternative less restrictive. In committing to the five-day formula, Sooter commented, “Kids at all different levels need different things. We take all kinds, and have to find ways that all can be successful.” 
The Missouri General Assembly in 2018 removed the designation that schools must be in session for at least 174 days per year, replacing that with 1,044 hours. With that option, schools can redistribute the hours in a day. 
Under the proposal, Monett would shift from 180 days under contract at present, which translates into approximately 169 instructional days. This would change to 150 days of classes, adding 18 minutes to each school day, ending the “official” school year at the end of April. Sooter explained this would give teachers, if they wanted, “time off” in May and June, unlike other school districts. 
Information sent to parents described the plan this way: “A 150-day calendar would reduce the number of days students attend during the regular academic year while increasing the length of the school day and creating additional opportunities for staff collaboration, professional learning, student support, intervention, and enrichment throughout the year.”
The parent information went on to stress that traditional holiday breaks would not change. 
Teachers could earn more by working more hours. Sooter explained the district would create another summer school to offer an additional summer school stipend. “If they don’t work that, they get more time off,” he said. “This is a creative way to do all we do.” 
The summer school structure would offer some variance as well. Traditional summer school, designed for students to catch up, would continue as it has in the past in June. The May session, on the other hand, would be called May Pathways, and offer a variety of new learning avenues, different subjects as well as in-depth exploration for enrichment. These would include two emphases. The Cub Success Pathway would be “targeted intervention, credit recovery, and additional learning for students who have not yet demonstrated proficiency. Successful completion could be tied to promotion or needed credit.” The second would be the Enrichment Pathway, “optional enrichment opportunities for students who have already demonstrated proficiency.”
The overall framework would start classes in the 2027-28 school year on Aug. 24, compared to Aug. 25 next fall, offering no real change. The last day of classes next year will end May 27. Under the proposal, classes in 2027-28 would end on April 27. The first semester in both formats would last 75 days. The second semester under the present structure will have 94 student days. The proposed formula would match the first semester, also with 75 days. 
As for summer school, the proposal calls for the first summer school to run from May 1-26, and the second from June 1-28. Traditional summer school at the end of the current school year will  run from June 1-28. 
To accomplish this new format, the district will have to design a proficiency plan, promotion, and credit rules. Six staff teams have been assigned to explore how this would work and return with a recommendation. Teams were set up to study curriculum and a pacing guide redesign; one for intervention and enrichment design; assessment and accountability; staffing and operations; family and community; finance and strategy. 
“We recognize this may not work,” Sooter said. “This is not being done. We’re exploring this. We want to go through the process and let the outcome speak for itself.” 
Drake conceded the state could “throw a wrench” into the entire framework and paying at the summer school rate. Summer school is not bound to specific dates and may use additional funding sources, like grants, for enrichment. Regular school funding falls under the Foundation Formula. 
“We think if this works, other districts will follow,” Drake observed. 
Sooter proposed rolling out the plan for the public on Sept. 26. Design work would start in the fall semester. A preliminary recommendation would come to the school board in February, with a more detailed plan ready by next February. He looked at a possible launch date in August 2027. 
“If we do this, we want to do it right,” Sooter said. “We’re going to have ongoing dialogue. Everyone can have input if they want it. Everyone has a voice. The energy in our meeting was positive. I think they’re processing it. The general mood is positive.”
Drake said the district wants public feedback. One complex variable would involve discussions with the school districts sending students to the Scott Regional Technology Center. The schedule change would impact the daily routine. 
Administrators shared their feelings about the proposal. 
High school Principal Jessica McNichols said, “Teachers are excited talking about something. There’s a lot of curiosity. They’re willing to explore it. There’s a lot of uncertainty and a lot of excitement. As a teacher, I always hear, ‘I wish this…’ This gives them more time. ”
Middle school Principal Dr. Jonathan Apostol observed, “Teachers are going to be part of a design team. That’s huge. They’re willing to complete the process, to be part of a team that can change the district. They’re seeing the potential and wanting to participate.” 
Eric Roller, the Scott Tech director, said his teachers, like those at the high school, are curious about the possibility. “The sending schools don’t get to pick when they come and leave. We’ll have to work the hours in,” he observed. Forty percent of the sending schools end their teaching by May 10-12. 
Sooter added tuition from the sending schools would not change. Some schools may not want any changes. “We feel we do have answers,” he said. “From August to the end of April, it’s more instructional minutes. If they come in May, there’s even more instructional minutes.” 
Drake reported the proposal has been under discussion for about 10 months. While not finished, the approach has worked out enough of a framework to begin more public discussion.
“This is exciting,” said Ken Gaspar, school board president.