Here & There Column 4-3-12

More State Aid-4-Day School Week?

  There is expected to be an increase of some $805 million for local school districts and rumors are bouncing all over the place that school districts are reported to be studying possible moves  towards a four-day school week with time lost from the dropped day added to the remaining four days.

  Those supporting such a move say there are big dollar savings in areas such as utilities and transportation. 

  School districts make the move to a 4-day school week support facts that say this type of move will help close gaping budget holes and stave off teacher layoffs.

  Education experts point out that little research exists to show the impact on shortened weeks on learning.

  The four-day week proposals result in lengthening the remaining school days so that the present 8 to 2:30 day could result in an 8-4  school day four days a week. 

  Some schools are turning to the four-day schedule because they have just plain run out of options. 

  School districts say they no longer have the option of asking residents to pay higher taxes, they have been forced to cut staff and some have had to close schools.

  For those who have already made the move to a four-day school week these districts report savings of anywhere between $200,000 to $500,000 trimming costs for custodial, cafeteria workers, bus drivers as well as transportation expenses and utilities. 

  Teachers will still work the same number of hours over four days instead of five but cafeteria and custodial and drivers are often hard-hit.

  Four-day weeks have been in place for decades in states like Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico and came about as a means to combat growing energy prices.

  One major negative factor in a four-day school week is in the area of child-care where working parents have had to revamp child-care plans.

  Officials in some districts say their students and teachers make good use of their day off.

  Teacher organizations and the American Federation of Teachers have been critical of the shift to a four-day school week saying these moves have a negative affect on teaching and learning. 

  In Albany the tentative (must be approved in the new budget) $805 million comes out to about 4 percent more then current levels and most districts should get more money depending on how the aid is determined either by a district need or by the restoration of past cuts.

  Meanwhile we think the jury is still out and we don't really think we will see any four-day school weeks anytime soon.