SCHOOL BILL COULD MEAN A FOUR -DAY WEEK FOR SCHOOLS

Students and teachers could possibly see regular three-day weekends under a proposal in the Legislature. A bill filed by Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, would give school districts the flexibility to plan their school weeks around an hourly requirement (SB 530/ HB 765). So, students could see a four-day week with longer days instead of their regular five-day schedule. Lynn said that school superintendents have been looking for flexibility in the school week in efforts to enact cost savings. “They’re saying, 'Give us flexibility in every possible way that you can because when monies are tight we might be able to find some ways to provide the service and programs to students, but it might not be in the usual way,'” Lynn said. Many schools began toying with the idea of a shorter school year last year as gas prices skyrocketed, causing transportation costs for schools to increase exponentially. Some school officials argued that they could save on transportation and other costs by instituting a four-day school week. Bill Montford, chief executive officer of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, said several districts have discussed shortening the school week, but added that it was unlikely that every district would change its schedule. However, if the measure passed, it would give districts the flexibility to do so. “What works for one may not work another,” he said. “A four-day work week is certainly a viable option.” Education Commissioner Eric Smith said he has not reviewed the legislation but that some schools have asked for permission to schedule a four-day week with longer days. However, he said none of those requests have been approved. Montford said it was likely that some parents would oppose the plan because they would have to reevaluate their child care needs. But, he added, schools need options. Lynn said she has not yet heard of opposition to the legislation but that lawmakers still needed to discuss the proposal in a committee. A spokesman for the Florida Education Association said union officials are still reviewing the measure.
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Thanks to Mark Pudlow for the lead.