6 March 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Another Kansas school district is considering a move to a four-day week. It’s to save money and attract students. But some parents are not entirely sold on the idea.
As parents listen, Nickerson-South Hutchinson district leaders make their pitch for a four-day week, saving the district money and, with declining enrollment, hopefully luring more people into the district.
But many parents are left wondering how to juggle schedules and child care in a four-day school week.
“I hope that they don’t do it because I’ll have to pay for another day of childcare, and I feel like rather than doing four longer days, I’d rather have all five days, shorter days,” said parent Krystina Oliver.
Other parents are not happy with the concept of teaching kids that four days is the norm growing up.
“I feel like it’s setting kids up for failure as far as them getting used to a four-day week when later in life they will have to, most jobs are five work days,” said parent Joshua Oliver.
“Taking away a whole day of school is taking away a day of education. It feels like they already have more days out than we did coming up,” said parent Gary Martin
Other parents say while it could entice students into the district and save money, some hope this is not a done deal.
“We’re just going to see how it goes and don’t know if they have already made the decision. Sounds like maybe,” said parent Kristen Brown.
School leaders say they will have another information session this week. They will also going to be handing out surveys starting Thursday to get a feel for what constituents in the school district think.