Fri, Sep 05 2008
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Published June 19, 2008 02:17 pm - Two Kentucky school districts have found success with a four-day school week. One district examines short schedule By GINA KINSLOW Glasgow Daily Times GLASGOW — Two Kentucky school districts have found success with a four-day school week.
Webster County and Jenkins Independent School districts have both gone to a shorter school week, and according to information posted on Webster County’s Web site, a four-day school week has saved the district several thousand dollars. The district adopted the four-day schedule in 2003. Webster County is in western Kentucky. Jenkins Independent, in far-eastern Letcher County, adopted the schedule for 2005-06 school year. Harvey Tackett, director of pupil personnel for Jenkins Independent Schools, said the district opted for the change “to provide our students with a different quality of instruction. We were just looking to think outside the box.” Only one of four area school districts, however, has even discussed the idea of a shorter school week. “This is something we would probably take a hard look at for the following school year,” said Bud Tarry, transportation director for the Barren County School District. Tarry recently presented the Barren County Board of Education with a list of things the school district could do to cut fuel expenses, such as not adding any new school bus routes and not sending buses down dead-end roads. Adopting a four-day school week is another option. If fuel prices continue to rise, Tarry said a shorter school week is something district officials may consider. “We’ve discussed it briefly, but it has just been among the principals and directors in our meetings,” he said. Barren County Superintendent Dr. Jerry Ralston said the modified week will be discussed by the board. “I believe a four-day school week needs to be put on the table as a possible consideration next year,” Ralston said. “With these tight budgets, we have no choice but to consider everything that may assist us to manage our district in a better way.” Neither Glasgow, Caverna or Metcalfe County School districts have discussed going to a shorter school week. However, officials with each district say they can see the benefits. Randy Wilkinson, director of pupil personnel for Glasgow Independent Schools, pointed out that with a shorter school week, districts will save money on transportation and utility costs, and parents will likely save money on child care due to students being in class longer each day when school is in session. However, Wilkinson says he can see some negative aspects, one of which is the longer school day. 
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