Editors note: story has been updated to include additional audio from Superintendent Ridder from post interview and contact points to reach out to G-R Administration with questions or more information
The Glidden-Ralston (G-R) Community School District Board of Education approved of the transition to a four-day instructional week during a special meeting Monday night. Staff and community members addressed the board prior to the recommended action, with mixed feelings. Concerns were that the decision is being made too soon and that more research and strategic planning should be conducted. High School Principal Tony Napierala says his team has already been having meetings on if this would be approved and that plans are ready to go once given the go-ahead.
G-R is the first school in the immediate listening area to move forward with the transition with the main goal to attract students to the district. Board members discussed concerns on not having a full plan already set, like what day to schedule to have off. Superintendent Tom Ridder says the board needs to take it one step at a time, first decided on whether to make the transition then the rest can come after the fact.
Board members admit that teachers have approached them saying that they will quit if the transition is not made and the concern that those same teachers would leave if the board did not approve of a calendar they liked. Napierala says that is where collaboration with the administration, staff and other school districts that are already implementing this model will come into place.
The measure passed on a 3-2 vote, with Heidi Ball and Mike Schulze being the nay votes. The four-day week will be implemented in the 2026-27 school year. In post-decision interview, Ridder and Napierala say they are excited to showcase what G-R has to offer now with a new perspective, and Ridder wishes to thank the school board for all of their dedication and thoughtfulness when making this consideration.
Administration will now work with the board on how staffing contracts; the calendar and any other changes will look at future meetings. Anyone with questions or wanting more information on open-enrolling into G-R is encouraged to contact the administration team. Contact points can be found included below.
Principal Eric Hjelle: ehjelle@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us
HS Principal Tony Napierala: tnapierala@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us
Superintendent Tom Ridder: tridder@glidden-ralston.k12.ia.us
(712) 659-3411
