Texas law does grant some flexibility to school districts regarding the school calendar. However, there are some criteria that must be met.

Here are the legal considerations for Decatur ISD:

• Instructional Minutes: Students must be in attendance for a minimum of 75,600 minutes per school year.

• Instructional Days: The exact number of student days varies depending on the bell schedule for each year and the number of minutes earned each day.

• Start Date: State law requires districts to begin school no earlier than the fourth Monday in August. However, as a state designated District of Innovation, Decatur ISD is able to waive this requirement and start school earlier in August to ensure classes end before June of the following year. 

• Specific Holiday Mandate: Schools cannot hold classes, either scheduled or as weather make-up days on specific holidays. 

• School Board Approval: The academic calendar must be approved by the Decatur ISD School Board.

Here are some calendar items that are not required by law, but are established and popular traditions in Decatur ISD:

• End the school year before Memorial Day

• Keep a full week off at Thanksgiving

• At least two full weeks off in winter

• Schedule more than the required number of annual instructional minutes to allow the district flexibility when determining whether to make up instructional days affected by inclement weather or other school closures or delays.

Texas is facing a teacher shortage, especially in rural areas, where districts struggle to compete with the salaries and benefits offered by larger ones. A 2022 Texas Teacher Poll by the Charles Butt Foundation found that 77% of teachers were considering leaving the profession, up from 58% in 2020. Additionally, 85% of Texas teachers believe having more time to plan quality lessons would help retain educators.

Like many other districts, Decatur ISD is also feeling the impact of this shortage. Decatur ISD is committed to improving teacher retention and recruitment, academic success, planning time for meaningful instruction, and the social-emotional well-being of both students and staff. To recruit and retain top-quality educators, we need innovative approaches.

A 4-day school week, which has gained traction across the nation and particularly in rural Texas, has proven to be an effective tool for attracting and retaining teachers. Implementing this schedule would help Decatur ISD reduce turnover and draw talented staff to the district.