Bushland Independent School District is making a major shift by transitioning to a four-day school week, joining thousands of districts nationwide adopting the model. The decision came after significant input from staff and parents, with overwhelming support for the change.
At the latest school board meeting, district leaders reviewed survey results showing that 70% of respondents favored the four-day week, with the majority preferring Fridays off and an earlier start to the school year. Superintendent Dr. Tom Giles emphasized that this move aligns with efforts to improve both academic performance and overall well-being for students, teachers, and the community.
Learning from Other Districts
Before making the final decision, Bushland ISD reached out to other districts that had already implemented the schedule change. Their research showed that the transition had positive effects, including stronger community ties and no negative impact on student achievement.
“One of the superintendents we spoke to told me that the move was great for their community,” said Dr. Giles. “It gave families more time together on weekends, and they saw no drop in academic performance. It’s not about the quantity of time in the classroom, but the quality.”
A Strategic Move to Retain Teachers
Beyond benefiting students, Bushland ISD sees the four-day week as a way to attract and retain high-quality teachers.
“In recent years, we’ve lost teachers because we couldn’t compete with higher-paying districts,” Dr. Giles explained. “This change allows us to offer something valuable beyond a pay increase.”
By giving teachers a longer weekend, the district hopes to boost job satisfaction and reduce burnout, a challenge many schools are facing.
