Marlin ISD moves to four-day calendar  

The Marlin ISD Board of Managers approved a four-day week calendar at their regular board meeting on Monday night.

The district is utilizing a "Strong Start, Strong Finish" framework for the calendar, where students will attend school every Friday in the months of August, January, and May. Students will also attend school on the first Friday of each month.

Many school districts across the country are transitioning to the innovative calendar for its array of benefits including operational cost savings and improved academic performance. For rural school districts, districts can more readily recruit and retain high-quality teachers and offset longer commute times. Currently, Marlin ISD is the only school district in the region to offer a "Commuter Incentive," with up to $1,500 for eligible teachers who commute.

"The adoption of a Four-Day Week Calendar is a significant step towards providing students with a well-rounded educational experience, while also meeting the needs of teachers and staff," Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson said. "We are excited to see the positive impact this change will have on the community of Marlin."

The Board of Managers' decision is expected to have a far-reaching impact on students, staff, and the community. By adopting the approach, the district aims to continue to foster a culture of academic excellence, streamline operations, and enhance overall efficiency.