AUSTIN, Texas — Austin's school district will close schools for two Fridays this semester.
According to KVUE's media partners at the Austin American-Statesman, Austin ISD sent parents an email Tuesday, announcing the proposal. This came after a district survey and conversations among district and school leaders about possibly making some Fridays early-release days.
AISD's board voted to approve the school calendar change at its meeting on Thursday.
Teachers and most campus staff will get two more paid days off and students will get two three-day weekends. The Statesman initially reported that the calendar change wouldn't apply to AISD's central office staff or some hourly workers, such as custodians. However, the board voted to change that part of the closure agreement and custodial, food service and clerical staff will now get the same two Fridays off as teachers.
The days for the school closures will be Feb. 11 and March 4.
Prior to settling on this option, AISD had surveyed parents, students and staff about possibly ending the school day early on some Fridays. The survey included three options for how long and how frequent to make those early-release days.
According to the Statesman, from the more than 20,000 responses, most wanted more early-release days closer to the actual release time. Instead, district leaders decided to add the two days off because early-release days could cut into State-required planning time for elementary school teachers that is scheduled for the end of the day.
AISD said it will work with community partners to assist parents that need help with child care on the additional days off.
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