The San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (SMCISD) is evaluating the possibility of transitioning to a four-day school week, an approach that has been growing in popularity across Texas. A recent survey circulated among the district’s families, students, and staff aimed to collect their opinions on this significant change, with many respondents showing support for the concept. According to
KXAN
, the survey sought to understand community consensus without a predetermined direction from the district.
Andrew Hernandez, a spokesperson for SMCISD, highlighted that the district is still in the preliminary stages of this deliberation. “We’re in the very early stages of this process, and so we’re not leaning one way or another,” Hernandez told
KXAN
in an interview. Moreover, the move to a four-day week is not only about the teaching staff’s benefits; student outcomes remain the district’s chief priority. “The number one priority that we want to explore is student outcomes. We want to make sure students are progressing,”
Hernandez noted.
This potential shift comes in response to findings that indicate such a model could boost staff retention. Nearby Terrell ISD has already decided to adopt a four-day school week for the 2024-2025 academic year. As explained by a
CBS Austin
report, this move by other districts has resulted in retaining a higher number of school staff. SMCISD asserts that if it moves ahead with the adoption, it will consider providing childcare options for families in need and adjusting the school day duration by an additional 30 to 45 minutes to maintain the current academic year schedule.
Hernandez elaborated on the factors under consideration before committing to a shorter week. “We’re not going to throw it out there and hope it’s successful. We want to make sure that we’ve thought of every single thing before we implement,” Hernandez told
KXAN
. This change, if implemented, is anticipated to lead to slightly longer school days but would not affect staff salaries. “We are not trying to save money when it comes to our staff,”
Hernandez reinforced
.
With over 100 other school districts in Texas already operating on a four-day week model, SMCISD’s exploration of this schedule is part of a broader educational trend. The district reportedly remains in communication with other districts that have made this transition, assessing strategies that have led to their success. The community has until Friday to respond to the survey, after which the district will further evaluate the feasibility and impacts of such a change on its schools.
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