Statement from Senator Paul Scott regarding four-day school weeks

The Senate Republican Caucus released their agenda for the 2019 legislative session earlier this week. Senator Paul Scott, R-Duncan, released the following statement concerning efforts to help schools return to five-day weeks.

“Oklahoma has been criticized nationally for the number of schools that have switched to four-day weeks in recent years. While some districts cut days to save money and have done so without affecting student achievement, other districts have experienced low test scores and other falling academic markers. Those are the districts that are causing concern.  The Senate is dedicated to helping schools return to the traditional five-day weeks to ensure students receive the best education possible,” Scott explained.

In a press conference Tuesday, our Republican Caucus stated that they will honor and protect the $2.9 billion investment in Oklahoma students and teachers, and will restore five-day school weeks, providing for reasonable exemptions, to enhance student outcomes and repair Oklahoma’s national reputation. 

“I believe in local control and I want what is best for our students and school districts. I also know that the four-day school week has been a great recruiting tool for some schools in my district,” Scott said.  “In an effort to help ensure that students in my district are receiving the best quality education, I have asked a couple of area superintendents to comment on how the four- or five-day school week has affected their schools.”

Dibble Public School Superintendent, Chad Clanton, felt that the decision concerning four- or five-day school weeks should be left up to the local districts.

“Dibble Public School does save money by utilizing the four-day academic week.  While I agree that a four-day week is not the absolute best scenario for public schools, I do believe this is a viable option for schools that struggle financially.  The Dibble Board of Education and I are strongly in support of local control,” Clanton said.

Melonie Hau, Superintendent of Duncan Public Schools stated flexibility is a key component in local schools.

“Local communities need the flexibility of adopting the best structures to achieve federal, state, and locally mandated outcomes for students. For Duncan Public Schools, the question is always are we maximizing our time with students on the best quality instruction? Outcomes such as graduation rate, academic scores, attendance rates, and maintaining a strong and supportive school environment should all be considered when thinking about how many days or hours students will be in school. For our community, a five day school week is the preferred structure to meet these outcomes.