The largest district in DFW, which is considering introducing a 4-day school week, is not moving forward.

MESKITE, Texas. After considering moving to a four-day school week, Mesquite ISD announced that it would not make the change, citing “concerns about negative impacts on learning and academic performance.”

In February, the district announced its intention to consider moving to a four-day school week in response to an “extreme shortage of teachers” across the country. This would make Mesquite ISD the largest North Texas county to transition to the new schedule.

The transition to a four-day school week has intensified over the past year, but mostly in smaller districts that have experienced shortages during the pandemic.

Mineral Wells, Tioga, Chico, and Anna School Districts have moved to a four-day school week.

After the administration presented the information and research to the school board, the district superintendent informed the board that he would not recommend a 4-day school week at this time, WFAA district officials said.

The new proposed calendar will be submitted for board approval on Monday, March 6, the district added.

The new draft calendar will address issues of teachers’ workload, time management, professional learning, and work-life balance.

According to the school district’s presentation, problems with the four-day school week included: lack of supervision on Fridays for middle and high school students; long school days due to extended hours for four days in the classroom; limited extracurricular time; children who live in unsafe homes and are safe to attend school; and limited access to specialized school services.