Fiorentino: Forget the four-day week

During talks about budget cuts, some Pasco School Board members have raised the idea of moving to a four-day week for middle and high schools. Keep an open mind, they said, in an effort to explore the concept that is gaining attention across Florida.

Superintendent Heather Fiorentino isn't ready to head down that path.

"It is possible, and it's definitely not on my list of recommendations," Fiorentino, who faces a reelection challenge in the fall, told the Gradebook. "I am opposed to that."

She acknowledged that a district could save 20 percent of its transportation costs, as well as realize other savings. But "can you imagine being a parent and every Friday having to figure out what to do with your child?" Fiorentino said.

Saving money is one thing, she stated. But schools remain in the business of educating kids, and "I don't believe (the four-day week) is a good way to educate children."

She's not alone. School leaders on the other coast share that concern.

"A four-day school week caused by insufficient state support for the investment in education would be seen nationally and internationally as a true negative on the state of Florida," St. Lucie superintendent Michael Lannon told the Stuart News.

Comments

[Siona Peterous]

Personally I'm more against 4-day school weeks verses for it.. While yes, four day school weeks saves money and helps the enviroment. It also depends more on parents. Most parents can't afford to do Day Care considering the horrible state of our economy. Also, from my research, teachers pay are cut, even though they work an extra 2 hours to make up the fifth day. the Extra money, doesn't go anywhere where it's needed, like textbooks, and for people who can't afford lunch, the program used in schools to help them pay for it is cut. So while money is saved, schools don't do anything with tht extra money.
In California, where there is no law stating schools must have public transportation, they are actually stopping public transportation all together in certain counties.

[Kathryn Hermelee]

Right now parents don't care if the children miss school on Friday. They don't get the children to school when they're suppose to be there--why should schools have to pay to keep the doors open an extra day? Is it to be there just in case parents decide to send their children? I work in a school and am very surprised at the number of children who miss school on a regular basis. We are not daycare, we are there to teach and that is a battle. Since they don't want to be there anyway why not try 4 days instead of 5

I do not believe that four day school weeks would be in any way good for student performance. But, I also see where the "cuts" for a four day week would only come from administration. As the number of instructional hours would remain the same and teachers would still get paid for a full 40 hour work week, the only cuts would be to transportation and utilities. This just goes to show how stupid the 65% Solution is because while this change would only result in cutting transportation and utilities by 20% each, it would still be students that suffer.

[Lina]

I do not understand the logic of those in charge, who by the way are drawing very high paychecks that they do not deserve. Instead of creating a cost saving measure that is logical, she would rather cut teacher benefits and/or cut positions. I have an idea, lets cut her position. I truly hope change will happen in the next election and Mrs. F. is replaced with someone who REALLY cares about this county.

The school system is not a babysitting service

Four day school days makes sense! Which is exactly why the schools won't do it! Pinellas should do it too! It would probably be cheaper for parents to pay for one full day instead of five partial days - particularly when you add in the money for gas and time spent picking them up five times a week instead of once a week!

[A parent who's NOT impressed!]

What do parents do on 3 day weekends or teacher planning days? They get coverage? I know I have to get coverage for my 2 kids when I have a regularly scheduled work day but they do not have school. If Pasco went to 4 days weeks, I'm sure the YMCA, Salvation Army, Place and other before/after school programs would modify their schedules to fit the new school hours. It's much ado about nothing, if you think about it. Once again, Fiorentino is not thinking about students or savings. She wants to save her own skin. She'll not fool me a second time!

[Milton]

Fiorentino, facing re-election, is playing to the voters. What are parents going to do? What does she think parents are doing during this three month summer vacation. Unless, she thinks that every parent can afford summer camp?
Still, note that her response acknowledges savings and other benefits, but she chooses to play to the voters (the parents) without any consideration for a balanced budget or teachers' step increases.

[Marty S]

What are the parents going to do on Friday June 20th? Or June 27th? Or July 2nd, 22nd, 31st? My point is that parents will have to do on Fridays that which they are doing over the entire summer. And quite honestly, The extra day off will probably be Monday since 3 holidays occur during the school year on Mondays. Longer days means no need for after school care. Those companies can either close OR offer services on Fridays. A 4 day work week should be a part of a national energy policy.