Independence schools could transition to a four-day school week. 🎒 Looking for a competitive edge to attract and retain teachers during ongoing staff shortages, the Independence school board agreed this week to study transitioning to a four-day instructional week. The board unanimously voted to explore the idea, potentially joining a statewide trend of more Missouri districts adopting shorter school weeks. Independence Superintendent Dale Herl told the board that the district’s study would be a long process, and if approved, the change would not be implemented this upcoming school year. “This is about attracting and retaining staff,” Herl said. “All you’ve got to do is turn on the TV. It seems like the last week to two weeks every other story, whether it’s on CNN or locally, they’re talking about teacher shortage. Or the bus driver shortage, which we’re experiencing.” As of this upcoming school year, nearly a quarter of Missouri school districts, primarily smaller systems in...