FOUNTAIN LAKE, Ark. — Like many superintendents, Dr. Michael Murphy, Superintendent of Fountain Lake School District, has been working to ensure students bounce back after challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Everyone parents, educators alike, we're trying to close that gap. And this is another potential tool,” said Dr. Murphy.
The tool he's talking about is a year-round school calendar.
“We're looking at 178 days of school, and it's just the breaks might look a little bit different,” said Dr. Murphy.
Dr. Murphy said that there are different options on the table.
“One is a four-day week option. That would be year-round with basically roughly a month off in the summertime,” said Dr. Murphy. “Also have another option out there where it's a five-day-a-week program with intermittent breaks.”
The administration brought the idea forward to district staff members to get their input, and the idea will then be presented to parents on Tuesday night.
“Your community relies on your school, the school relies on the community and so working collectively together to fill any voids or the unknowns,” added Dr. Murphy.
In the end, Dr. Murphy explained that what happens during Tuesday night's meeting will determine the steps they take forward.
“We intend to submit a survey out to the community at large looking at different options and choices of traditional school setting or year-round school,” said Dr. Murphy.