Texas school district approves 4-day school week

ANNA, Texas — The Anna Independent School District is now one of many largest school districts in North Texas to experiment with a four-day school week.

Classes will probably be scheduled from Monday to Thursday and likewise consists of Friday “Boot Camp” days for college students needing further instruction for state testing.

“You’re either the leader or the follower. If you’re the follower you spend two or three years trying to catch up what other people do,” stated Anna ISD Superintendent Michael Comeaux. “The main focus has got to be the success of the kids.”

This fast-growing district has been speaking in regards to the four-day week for almost two years. The board unanimously determined to maneuver to the mannequin after endeavor a collection of research and surveys. 

The district instructed WFAA that surveys of the plan returned from dad and mom indicated a 72% approval of the plan and 87% approval from educators 

It’s an enormous transfer for the smaller district with an enrollment of over 5,000 college students. It actually has include some detractors on social media who say the plan will adversely have an effect on households with “working parents” and “low income” households. 

The district stated that the general public had ample alternatives to share their opinions on the matter in December and January.

“We really believe the level of education we are going to provide will supersede their concerns over time,” stated Comeaux.

The Monday-Thursday schedule does imply households should make some choices about Fridays, particularly households who’ve working dad and mom. The superintendent instructed WFAA that that is the explanation the district moved shortly to decide with a view to give households sufficient time to plan earlier than the August begin time.

“Parents have been calling last week. Yesterday, a lot of parents were anxious about where the kids will go,” stated Rachael Gadi, who’s with AnnaKids Academy, a neighborhood daycare heart. Gadi stated she already has a ready checklist for Fridays.

The district stated that it has had conversations with the YMCA to supply day care companies on Fridays for households curious about service. WFAA reached out to the YMCA and is awaiting a response.

For Comeaux, the opposite hope is that this plan will entice and retain educators who desire a extra versatile schedule. The superintendent stated educators hardly ever ever have the time to schedule appointments and the like, which ends up in most taking Fridays off.

“I’ve got to have the highest quality staff members I can attract and retain and we believe this is one way,” the superintendent stated.

The district stated it would add about 35 minutes to every day and a full further week on the backend. 

Students like junior Karleigh Redwine do not know learn how to really feel but however stated a free Friday might assist.

“I have a job already so I will be able to work more than I already do,” stated Redwine, who balances school, sports activities and work.

The superintendent instructed WFAA that the three-year pilot program was by no means about cost-cutting. Comeaux stated the district will re-evaluate if the mannequin works by seeing if check scores stay excessive and if extra academics are retained.