Catoosa Considers Moving To Four-Day School Week

A local school district says it needs to cut costs, quickly, and a four-day school week might be the solution. 

Catoosa Public Schools is considering changing its schedules as early as January. The school district sent home surveys to all Catoosa parents asking them what they think about a four-day school week. The reviews are mixed. 

Emily Brooks is a junior at Catoosa High School. You would think she'd like the idea of a three-day weekend, but she's against it. 

"It messes everyone's schedules up. Like, even high schoolers, for their jobs," she said.

Emily's mom is not a fan, either.

 "no way it's going to work," said Elizabeth Eth, mother.

She says she's lucky enough her kids are grown, But if the school does move to four-day weeks, she says, it could be a major inconvenience for parents of younger students. 

"Parents having their work schedules set in certain ways so one parent can take the kids to school, one parent can pick them up. Or even a single parent out there who's going to have to find extra daycare," Eth said.

If the proposal is approved, starting in January school would last a little longer during the four days. 

8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. for elementary students.
7:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. for middle schoolers.
And 7:35 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. for high school students. 

Superintendent Rick Kibbe says this is the best possible solution. 

Studies have shown that moving to four-day school weeks has no negative impact on students' abilities.
Other local districts like Woodland and Barnsdall are already on this schedule.