Harlandal ISD moves to a four-day work week

SAN ANTONIO — Harlandale Independent School District leaders are weighing the benefits of cutting the school week to four days.

On Wednesday, administrators sent out a survey to parents asking for information about a potential move. The School Board will use the data to determine if a day-out plan should be created.

The survey seeks feedback from parents of children in all grades, K-12.

Dozens of schools across Texas have switched to a four-day week this year, mostly to boost teacher morale. With board approval, Harlandale ISD will be the first San Antonio county to adopt this change.

“We’re trying to be different here in Harlandale and take the initiative to keep our teachers,” County spokeswoman Mariana Vieira said.

She also added that this shift could make it easier for the district to recruit future teachers.

The conversation is just getting started, but Harlandal ISD could implement any changes as early as the 2023-2024 school year.

If a school district cuts one school day, it will need to extend the remaining four days or extend the school year to meet state requirements. Throughout the year, students will spend the same amount of time in the classroom with a four-day schedule as they would with a five-day schedule.

Educators say that the move will not interfere with learning.

“I’m not really against it,” said Marielena Jasso, a mother of first and eighth grade children at Harlandale Schools.

Jasso works from home and said she probably won’t need to look for babysitting if Harlandale ISD moves to a four-day week.

“I know it’s not something every parent has,” she added. “You don’t have to rely on someone else to take care of your kids.”

The district foresaw this obstacle. Vieira said after-school programs could be extended into the weekend.

Yasso wondered if all children were eligible for extended after-school care.

School leaders also discussed dedicating campuses for weekend child care if the board accepts the change.

“We want to make sure we provide this resource for parents so they don’t feel like they have to pay for one day of child care,” Vieira said.

During the first 24 hours of the poll, Vieira said respondents overwhelmingly supported shortening the week to four days.

Harlandale ISD serves the south side of San Antonio.

Calendar year: In one potential scenario, the first day of school starts on August 8th and the year ends on June 6th. After August 8, campuses will be closed on Mondays.

Clock: The offer will add an additional 20 minutes to every school day, Tuesday through Friday. Here is the breakdown:

• The elementary school will be open from 7:35 am to 3:35 pm.
• The secondary school will be open from 7:55 am to 3:55 pm.
• The secondary school will be open from 20:15 to 16:15.

After School Programs: Students in pre-K through fifth grade will have a place to stay on Mondays to participate in the district’s extracurricular programs. Adults will supervise them and take care of daily activities.

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