The Illinois House approved a bill in March that will allow cash- strapped schools to formulate a four- day work- week. Schools that choose to implement the shorter school week will be required to lengthen the remaining school days or shorten summer vacations. This would still offer the students the same experience as students in five day a week schools.
State Rep. Bill Black sponsored the bill in the House because of complaints from downstate schools that are struggling with the fuel cost of busing rural students. The savings will also be seen in decreased maintenance costs that school districts could benefit from.
This bill, though, is not without opposition. Mayor Daley was quoted on multiple local news stations like CBS saying, “Such a plan would put undue hardship on a lot of parents.” Regardless of the final vote of 81-21 by politicians in Springfield, many echo the concerns of Daley.
With many parents already working a five day week, the shortened school week would force parents into a crucial financial decision regarding the care of their children. Society is struggling during this economic crisis, and many are regarding this move by legislation as a way to pass the burden onto the people. Parents will now have to pay for additional day care or leave older children unsupervised longer.
Chicago Tribune reported State Rep. Monique Davis saying, “It is tragic when we try to balance the budget of the state of Illinois on the backs of our babies.” It would appear through cuts to music and art programs, as well after school activities and sports. Schools are being forced to deprive students opportunities because of a deficit in the state budget.
CBS reports that Black plans to amend his legislation to ensure the four-day school week would end in three years, if it becomes law.
The bill is currently in the State Senate, awaiting decision and leaving parents and school districts wondering where the cuts will end.
Tonya Peterson, Opinions Editor
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