San Elizario ISD preparing to transition to a 4-day school week

SAN ELIZARIO, Texas (KVIA) -- San Elizario Independent School District is preparing to transition to a 4-day school week this upcoming school year.

Starting this July, students will attend school only Tuesdays through Fridays. SEISD students and staff will have Mondays off.

This will be the first time a school district in the Borderland has made the change.

The school district is working to address increased teacher vacancies. SEISD officials also said this will help increase attendance for students and staff.

Jeannie Meza-Chavez, Superintendent of Schools for San Elizario ISD, said in January there were 12 teacher vacancies. Now there are only two. The district hopes the positions will be filled by the start of the school year.

Officials say they hope this change will help retain current employees and recruit future employees.

"The four-day week also creates a space for students and staff to take care of social, emotional, and physical wellness by having that extra day in the week to make that their focus," a spokesperson said.

The days will be longer for students in all grade levels.

For elementary students, the day will start at 7:20 a.m. and continue through 4:05 p.m.

For middle and high school students the school day will begin at 8:05 a.m. and they will be dismissed at 4:50 p.m.

The 2023-2024 school year begins Tuesday, July 25, 2023, and continues through Friday, May 31, 2024.