By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN
The Athens ISD Board of Trustees is expected to vote Friday afternoon on instituting a 4-day instructional week starting next year, Board President Rob Risko confirmed.
The special meeting is scheduled for noon Friday, Dec. 14 at the District Support Center Board Room, 104 Hawn Street.
According to information released by the district earlier this month, “Under the plan being considered, students would begin the 2019-2020 school year on Aug. 5, with the last day of instruction being May 28 and graduation on May 29. In order to comply with the state’s requirements for a minimum number of instructional minutes during a school year, the instructional day would increase by 50 minutes. Under the proposal, elementary students would start the day at 7:45 and end at 3:55. The expanded school day, among other benefits, allows for longer recess times, which is proven to be particularly beneficial for young children. For middle school and high school students, the day would start at 8 and end at 4:25. The later start time for secondary students is also in response to research, which clearly indicates teenagers perform better academically later in the morning.”
The district has been gathering information and investigating the possibility of switching to the 4-day instructional week for about six months.
Risko said making a decision now was important because the hiring process for next year begins in late January.
“There also has to be time for parents to prepare ahead of an August 5 start date,” he said.
Here is the agenda for the special meeting.
