Could a 4-day school week be in the works for rural Utah?

SALT LAKE CITY — The House is scheduled to debate a bill meant to formalize the process schools and districts would use to switch to a four-day school week. 

Rep. Christine Watkins, R-Price said the proposed four-day bill will benefit rural schools who have to deal with travel concerns. 

Watkins said several of her constituents approached her after they tried to convert to a four-day school week and felt like no one was listening to them.

Currently there is no uniform process for schools and districts wishing to change to a four-day school week. 

Establish process to switch to 4-day school week

“The state school board does not have a process. So that’s what this bill does. It says to the state school board, we want you to create a process,” said Watkins. 

Additionally, Watkins said the bill requires schools that make the switch to track student progress.

“The school district is paying attention to attendance, to test scores, are kids still thriving and doing well, they’re not going backwards.”

According to Watkins, many schools and districts want shorter school weeks due to long travel time needed for athletic competitions in rural areas.

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