Feb 11 2009
Budget Cuts in the Schools May Lead to Four-Day Week
With the economy the way it is, people are losing their jobs, unemployment rates are up, and many benefits and perks are going to the wayside. This recession has effected education as well. No surprise. There have been teacher layoffs all over the country and budget cuts have changed the way schools operate.
In Douglas County, Colorado, things are no different. Douglas county is the third largest district in the state and will be forced to amke a $37 million budget cut. There are things they are considering including eliminating bus routes, cutting staff, reducing the number of credits to graduate, and four-day weeks.
I do not think four-day work weeks is a good plan. It puts more burden on everyone - teachers, students, and parents. Douglas county gets a lot of funds compared to most school districts - $450 dollars. Where is that money going and do we really need to shorten the week to fix this?
Giving kids longer days, cutting out a day and lowering graduation requirements is the answer? Who are we helping in this scenario?? The teachers? Well, if you think working until 6 pm 4 nights a week is helpful after be in class with tired kids all day. Yes, you get a 3 day weekend, but you will probably be making up for it in the long run.
So, does this help the kids? I don’t think so, more work crammed into 4 days will not help them at all. That can be a long draining day for the kids. How productive are kids after a 7 hour day, imagine 10 hours? Cutting graduation hours?? Yes, that is exactly what we need, kids that are LESS educated!
The parents? Spending more on child care does not seem beneficial to them. Picking up kids at 6 pm because there is no longer bus service sounds fantastic!
I am sure some think this is a good idea. I’d like to hear it and I’d like to see how it helps the kids - isn’t that the goal and mission of teaching? Or, did I miss something?
