Bandera ISD Approves Four-Day School Week for 2024-25 Academic Year
The Bandera Independent School District (BISD) Board of Trustees has given the green light to implement a four-day school week starting from the 2024-25 academic year. The decision, made unanimously on Monday, February 12, 2024, aims to address concerns over teacher recruitment and retention, particularly in light of limited state funding for raises.
Board President Brittany Hicks emphasized that this move is a one-year plan, indicating that adjustments will be necessary as they gauge its effectiveness. The new academic calendar sets the first day of school for Tuesday, August 6, and the last day for Thursday, May 22. Notably, attendance on Fridays will be mandatory during the month of August.
To accommodate the condensed schedule, school days will be extended by 10 minutes in the morning and 25 minutes in the afternoon.
Superintendent Gary Bitzkie underscored that the primary objective behind transitioning to a four-day week is to address challenges in attracting and retaining qualified educators amidst financial constraints from the state.
