OK School Districts To Discuss Possibility Of 4-Day School Week

School administrators are headed to class Wednesday to revamp their work week. A possible four day school week is the topic, and we learned this will be a full class.

Twenty-two districts were scheduled to meet to discuss changing their schools to four day weeks, but only 14 representatives were able to attend. Blanchard Superintendent Dr. Jim Beckham and other administrators in the Technology Center District will meet in Newcastle. This district includes schools surrounding the tech center in Wayne.

Currently, the state has about 35 districts already using the 4-day schedule. Some districts report that schedule has helped them attract more teachers.

Others report being able to save 5 to 8 percent through utilities, transportation and food, which is the main reason why Dr. Beckham is listening.

"Five to seven percent for Blanchard Public Schools is about $250,000, and that's a good chunk of change. So if that's the case and if we can determine instruction won't be harmed or hurt, then I don't see any reason why we shouldn't," Dr. Beckham said. 

Each school day will need be about 40 minutes longer to meet requirements. After Wednesday's meeting, administrators will then poll parents from each district.

If adopted, the change is set to take place next fall.