Murray County Central Schools has been informed by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) that the district’s application to implement a 4-day school week for the 2025–2026 school year has been officially denied.
Superintendent Joe Meyer acknowledged the decision with disappointment and emphasized the district’s dedication to maintaining quality education despite ongoing challenges.
“While we respect the Minnesota Department of Education’s authority, we are disappointed in their decision,” said Superintendent Meyer. “Our proposal was designed thoughtfully, provided community input, and included thought out solutions to concerns. The School Board believed the 4-day model could be a proactive solution to help us better support students and staff while managing operational constraints and budget concerns.”
According to the MDE, a primary reason for denial centered on concerns about the district’s ability to provide and guarantee essential services—specifically, daily meal access for all students in grades K–12 and reliable daycare options for students who need supervision during the non-school weekday. These service-related concerns were cited as key barriers to ensuring educational equity and student well-being under a modified 4-day week schedule.
Murray County Centrals' application included detailed plans to meet instructional time requirements, improve staff recruitment and retention, and respond to the district’s financial pressures. The plan also outlined ongoing community engagement and partnerships, which was broadly positive about the proposed shift.
“We understand the MDE’s concerns and recognize the importance of equitable access to services for all students,” said Superintendent Meyer. “That said, we believe we could have addressed these needs effectively through partnerships and local solutions. We remain committed to finding innovative ways to meet the needs of our students, families, and staff.”
The district will now move forward on planning for the 2025–2026 school year, implement the School Board approved 5-day week calendar and engage stakeholders in identifying next steps. While the 4-day week proposal will not move forward at this time, the challenges that led to the exploration of that model—financial limitations, staffing, and rising operational costs—persist.
“We’ll keep working with our school board and community to find creative, student-centered solutions,” Superintendent Meyer added. “Our focus remains on educational excellence for every learner at Murray County Central.”
Further updates will be provided as the district charts a path forward.