Broward County Public Schools aims to combat absenteeism with the proposal of a 4-day school week. The idea has been controversial but there are some convincing arguments on both sides.

Here are a few teacher responses:

No, students don’t really have lots of concentration/large attention span.

Yes, it works better for students who miss a lot of days as they can use Friday to make up assignments.

No, because it takes away student opportunities for extra-curricular activities.

Yes, more free time/mental health days. An extra 1.5 hour at school won’t kill you.

No, 8-hour days would be too long.

Yes, make teaching more pleasant, and recruit more people into teaching.

No, conflicts with sports.

No, it makes teachers have plan more.

No, kids tend to tune out after 7 hours of school so imagine a 8.5 hour day.

Yes, possible pay increase due to the optional day and it works as extra help for students who need it. This system helps “weed out the bad ones” who don’t want to learn and kids who do want to learn will show up on Friday.

Maybe, not enough details given but so far it does conflict with the bill passed recently that in 2026 high schools cannot start earlier than 8:30am. Starting later yet staying for 8.5 hours would mean students will be in school until almost 5pm