Prairie Grove to review early release

PRAIRIE GROVE — School administrators are discussing whether to continue the district’s early-release day on Wednesdays in light of the results of an anonymous staff survey.

One question on the survey was: “Do you feel early release on Wednesday is in the best interest of students?” The results showed 46.4% said “no”; 28.8% were not sure and 24.8% said “yes.”

Technology Director Ray Ruland said 150 staff members participated in the survey, which included other questions.

Superintendent Lance Campbell discussed the survey at the Prairie Grove School Board’s meeting on Oct. 17. Campbell said he and building principals have been “having conversations” about early release on Wednesdays, and teachers will also be a part of that conversation.

The school district started its early-out Wednesdays in 2021 under then-superintendent Reba Holmes to give teachers a dedicated time to meet in their learning communities. At the time, Holmes said the focus of the meetings would be student and educator performance, and the goal would be growth for both students and educators.

Presently, students are dismissed at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

The tentative plan, Campbell said, is to return to a regular school day on Wednesdays in January.

Board members asked about collaborative time for teachers, and Campbell said this would be embedded within the school day. Substitute teachers would be used to provide a time for teachers to meet in their professional learning communities.

Campbell, who took over as superintendent in July, said the shortened day on Wednesdays gives only 37 minutes for each class period at the high school.

Ruland said one of the teachers referred to this in a comment, saying that with early release, “it is hard to fit all the instruction in the shortened length of time.” On other days, classes are about 47 minutes long.

Other questions on the Prairie Grove staff survey included:

■ “Are you satisfied with the organization/school work environment?” “Very satisfied,” 22.9%; “satisfied,” 34%; “dissatisfied,” 30.1%; “very dissatisfied,” 13.1%.

■ “Do you feel appreciated for your efforts?” “Very satisfied,” 26.1%; “satisfied,” 26.8%; “dissatisfied,” 28.1%; “very dissatisfied,” 19%.

■ “Do you have enough resources to perform your work?” “Yes,” 58.5%; “no,” 28.1%; “not sure,” 13.1%.

While more than half of the faculty say they are satisfied or feel appreciated at work that means around 47% do not feel that way, Campbell said last week.

He pointed out people want to feel appreciated and valued. That is one reason the district is honoring a certified and classified employee of the month.

Ruland said many of the anonymous comments said the district needed better communication.

Campbell said administrators want to figure out “what’s missing” to improve communication and to help teachers and staff.

Campbell said the district will conduct staff surveys quarterly.