S.E. Colorado school district wants fewer school days, to attract teachers

A southeastern Colorado school district wants to attract and keep more teachers by getting rid of a school day.

The East Otero School District in La Junta wants to switch to a four-day school week.

The district currently has five days with an early release on Friday.

The superintendent says there isn’t a teacher shortage right now, but with retirements and teachers leaving soon, he wants to make sure the district has an edge in the recruiting process. The superintendent also says it would boost morale for students and teachers at the district.

Johnathon Perry has a 5-year-old son who will soon be attending a school in the district. He prefers the five-day school week, to keep kids in class and learn the curriculum. Perry said giving kids an extra day off could lead to mischief. He said if the district decides on the shorter school week, he hopes it can do something for students on Fridays.

“The school should at least open the high school swimming pool and get more staff in there to watch these kids, where people can go to work,” he said.

There will be community meetings regarding the possible change.

The next one will be held Monday at 6 p.m. at La Junta High School.