Missouri House Approves Four-Day School Week
by Chuck Gatschenberger
February 28, 2009
Jefferson City, MO
On Tuesday, the House gave initial approval of the four-day school week for Missouri schools.
The bill would give school districts the option of having four-day school weeks. The idea comes from mostly rural districts where the cost of running buses skyrocketed in 2008 because of rising fuel prices. Representatives gave first-round approval to the bill but it needs another House vote before moving to the Senate.
The four-day week would lengthen each school week by one hour and have 32 fewer days of instruction each year. The total number of instruction hours would stay the same but the bill does allow for flexibility.
Currently, 17 states have adopted the four-day-week option and are experiencing a positive effect on attendance and an increase in test scores. A school in Minnesota expects to shave ten percent off transportation costs, which is especially helpful when fuel costs are uncertain. Webster County School District in Kentucky saved more than $150,000 and ranked much higher on state-wide standardized tests: from 111th in 2003 to 53rd in 2007.
The Fort Zumwalt District transports 12,000 kids, twice a day and spent $900,000 last year on fuel.
Like I always request, please let me know your thoughts about these or other matters of concern by calling my office at 573-751-3572 or by e-mailing me at chuck.gatschenberger@house.mo.gov.
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
