3-day weekends
Everybody looks forward to a three-day weekend every so often. But what if every week was a four-day week with three-day weekend? That’s what the Lancaster (Texas) district is considering, according to The Dallas Morning News. The district has said that it would save $1.9 million a year and also points to some studies that indicate it might improve student performance.
I’m sure the students would like it, too, but many of the district’s parents aren’t too happy about the proposal. They say giving students every Friday off would lead to child care chaos and result in too many unsupervised children getting into mischief or worse.
Is a four-day week a good idea for schools?
July 24th, 2007 @ 11:02 am
An administrator from Texas writes:
“There really has been no distinguished research regarding the four-day week and urban districts. Certainly, the Lancaster District should follow through if they have the support of all of their major constituent groups. That’s a big ‘if,’ and this late date is no time to be shoring up the support.”
July 24th, 2007 @ 11:03 am
An administrator from New York writes:
“It would seem no one on the school board has children or parents that work. How would a normal family that has to have both parents out earning an income deal with having their kids off another day? Who would watch the kids? What are they, nuts? Even half-day kindergarten is difficult for parents.”
July 24th, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
An administrator from Michigan writes in favor of shorter work weeks:
“Not only for schools, but for all government agencies. A five-day week can be maintained, however, with a rotating day off so that only half of the employees are off on any given Monday or Friday. That way you get occasional four-day weekends that everyone likes to have now and then. It contributes to a better economy through family vacations and outings throughout the year and allows for more time for parents to spend with the children.”
July 24th, 2007 @ 3:11 pm
Another administrator from New York writes:
“Are they crazy? What message does that send to the kids? To the parents? If this is money driven, spend the extra money!”