Louisiana Senator Moves to Ban 4-Day School Week Model

Baton Rouge, LA (KPEL News) - Ten school districts in the state of Louisiana have implemented 4-day school weeks. A few of them have operated on that schedule for more than a dozen years. Students at more than 100 schools in the Boot State have either Monday or Friday off each week, with the exception of a few at the beginning or end of the year. Most recently, the Jeff Davis Parish School Board decided not to switch their schedule, despite response from students, teachers, and stakeholders who favored the 4-day week.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has authored a bill filed in the regular Legislative Session that would mandate a 5-day school week.

Cash-strapped school districts in Louisiana have opted for the shorter week over the years for at least two reasons:

Cost savings- While the savings isn't astronomical, every little bit helps. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the maximum possible cost savings for districts nationally is just over 5%, with the average between .4% and 2.5%.
Recruitment and retention- Money isn't the only thing in short supply, especially in the rural areas of Louisiana. The state is experiencing a significant shortage of educators, and an abbreviated week provides an attractive tool for teachers.

The shorter week model adopted by these school districts doesn't mean less time spent in the classroom. Students still spend, as required by Louisiana law, 63,720 minutes learning.

The following Louisiana school districts are currently operating on a 4-day hybrid schedule:

Acadia Parish
Cameron Parish
Evangeline Parish
Bogalusa City Schools
Grant Parish
LaSalle Parish
Avoyelles Parish
Caldwell Parish
Franklin Parish
Beauregard Parish—will implement for 2024-25 school year

The schedule has worked well in the 5th Ward of Acadia Parish for more than 20 years. Schools in Midland, Morse, Estherwood, and Mermentau. All of those schools received an A or a B on the state "report card." The school board voted to implement the 4-day per week schedule in 2023 and revisit the plan in 2025.

Cameron Parish's superintendent Charley Lemons told KPLC in Lake Charles that he sent a letter of opposition to to the bill to their delegation. Cameron Parish received an A on their state "report card," and he believes the decision should be left in the hands of the local districts.

LaSalle Parish superintendent Jonathan Garrett echoes those sentiments, commenting to KNOE that teacher attendance has increased and there have been fewer disciplinary incidents.

Comments in a private Facebook group thread were overwhelmingly in favor by parents and teachers who live in parishes where they follow the 4-day model.

Proponents of the bill have said children should be in school 5 days a week and a shorter week burdens parents who work.

Senator Mizell's bill has been filed and referred to the Senate Education committee.