School Districts across the country are trying to find ways to fill gaps in their budgets from loss State allocations and the end of Federal Stimulus dollars. Many of the strategies that are being considered or implemented are: 1) school closures and consolidation, 2) staff layoffs, 3) cuts to extracurricular activities, and 4) reduction in transportation. However, one school district has gained national attention for considering a different strategy.
The Coatesville School District in Pennsylvania is considering going to a four-day school week in order to prevent budget cuts and staff layoffs. While the idea of a four-day school week is not new, the eyes of the nation are watching the Coatesville School District. If Coatesville decides to approve a four-day school week and the change provides minimal or neutral academic gains, other school districts may follow their lead.
The Coatesville plan is to lengthen the school day by 80 minutes for elementary schools and 45 minutes for middle and high schools. This would allow the district to utilize the exception to the Pennsylvania School Code which allows a district to measure a student’s time in class by hours instead of days[i]. While this would provide logistical problems for students involved in extracurricular activities, parents plans on what to do with children on off days, and will schools be able to provide enough instruction in four days. However, Coatesville can look for guidance from over 125 school districts that are currently operating on a four-day school week.
There are many advantages to having a four day school week. First is the savings gained from having unused buildings and buses. Districts are able to reduce the costs of utilities, fuel, and payroll for non-instructional staff[ii]. Second, is the reduction of teacher burnout and staff turnover. A four-day school week would also provide teachers the opportunity to recover from the demands of teaching. Teachers would be able to have more time to develop lesson plans, grade papers, spend time with their family, and they may remain in the field.
Lastly a four-day week could be beneficial to students who work or are looking for work. A four-day school week would give students the opportunity to make more money and make them attractive to employers. Due to the economic recession, many students are having to contribute to the household expenses or pay for their personal expenses to alleviate further strain to the household income. Additionally, a four-day school week would also give students more time to work on their academic assignments.
The disadvantages of a four-day school week mainly create concerns for parents. Concerns such as making arrangements and paying for child care for younger children, how to prevent older children from becoming involved in high risk behavior s, and how to make sure children are learning and retaining the academic information needed to be promoted or graduate.
The concept of a four-day school week could work for a small district like Coatesville, because a majority of the 125 districts utilizing a four-day school week are small. There is not data that a larger district would be able to transition to a four-day school week due to the size of staff and student enrollment.
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