TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
What are people saying? DeKalb ISD surveyed parents, teachers, and students before bringing the decision to the Board of Trustees, and here’s what they found... 97% of teachers voted in favor of a four-day week.
100% of teachers voted in favor of a four-day week in Malta ISD.
76% of parents were either in favor of the four-day week or indifferent toward the change.
74% of students voted in favor of a four-day week, and 50% of students voiced they would seek a job, babysit, or volunteer on their Fridays off. 40/337 parents expressed concern for childcare.
90% of teachers voted in favor of a four-day week in New Boston ISD.
“We were attending a meeting with Commissioner Morath at the Region 8 Service Center last year. We were discussing topics like creative scheduling to increase teacher prep time, along with programs intended to entice more people to become teachers. That conversation sparked numerous conversations with local superintendents, and we began to research and brainstorm different ideas. Ultimately, the surveys internally of staff and our parents helped us make the final decision.” —Brian Bobbitt, New Boston ISD Superintendent
“Texas four-day week districts we have talked to reported higher morale, attendance, and better prepared staff by moving to a new calendar. Additionally, they have reported the families love the extra time with their kids and older students are able to work on Fridays providing them with a real-world learning opportunity.” —Chris Galloway, DeKalb ISD Superintendent
“I’m excited to see how the four-day week will work out this year. I am one who always tries to find the positive over the negative when it comes to big changes. I wasn’t sure in the beginning when thinking through the adjustments we would all have to make, but I believe the almost weekly break for the students and teachers will be beneficial for all. I guess we will wait and see exactly how it all plays out.” —Tera Barrett, New Boston Middle School Teacher
“Teachers were given the opportunity through a survey to show their support for or against (the four-day week). In fact, that is where we started. If we didn’t have buy-in from our teachers, we would not have pursued it any farther. I spoke with the Malta ISD School Board about the topic, and we decided to start with the staff to get their feedback. The support was overwhelmingly 100% in favor of the possibility of transitioning to a four-day instructional week.” —Stacy Starrett, Malta ISD Superintendent
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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