STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade 46-1 School Board is considering a transition to a four-day school week following the results of a recent district-wide survey. At last night’s school board meeting, Superintendent Wayne Wormstadt delivered results from the survey.

Board President Justin Jutting reported that out of 1,130 responses, 50 percent indicated interest in exploring the change. Jutting emphasized that the potential shift is driven by student achievement, staff morale, and community satisfaction—not cost savings, noting that similar districts saved under three percent of their general fund budgets.

Under the proposed draft calendar, instructional hours would remain the same across 154 contact days—16 fewer days than the current schedule. To make up the time, school days would be extended by approximately 35 minutes.

Draft schedules place Sturgis Elementary from 8:10 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., Stagebarn Middle School from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sturgis Brown High School from 8:10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Superintendent Wayne Wormstadt stressed that the schedule remains a draft, noting that some weeks—such as those with Monday holidays—would still require a fifth day of instruction.

The board plans to further evaluate fifth-day options and community childcare needs before making any final decisions.

A public presentation on the survey results will be held tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the Stagebarn Middle School in Summerset.