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Phoenix school district returns to 5-day week
A school district in the Phoenix area that switched to a four-day school week in 2023 has decided to return to a more traditional schedule.
PHOENIX - A major shake-up is coming to a Phoenix area school district.
What we know:
The governing board of the Cartwright School District, which operates 20 K-8 schools in West Phoenix, voted 3-to-2 to put Fridays back on the calendar.
The backstory:
In March 2023, we reported that the district decided to move to a four-day week. The decision took effect during the 2023-2024 school year.
During COVID, Cartwright's schools adopted a four-day week for its students. The district's superintendent at the time, Leeann Aguilar Lawlor, said when in-person instructions resumed, they kept the four-day schedule for students because families overwhelmingly preferred it.
"They said having that extra day was a blessing. Really helped a lot," said Lawlor.
What they're saying:
Supporters say the move will give students more time in the classroom, and help the mostly lower-income students gain access to breakfast and lunch.
However, many teachers are opposing the change, with a recent survey of teachers at Cartwright showing that around 60% would either not return, or consider not returning, if the district switched to a five-day week.
What's next:
The return to a five-day week will start next school year.
The Source: Information for this article was gathered by FOX 10 staff members.