House passes four day school week bill

Intro: A four day school week for Missouri public schools moved one step closer to reality with Missouri's House approving a measure calling for it.

Rebecca Beitsch (b-EYE-ch) has more from Jefferson City.

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Despite accusations from members of both parties that students do not spend enough time in school, the House gave first round approval to a bill allowing districts to adopt a four-day school week.

Supporters say the short week will cut costs.

But Jackson County Democrat Leonard Hughes said his colleagues should care less about money and more about education.

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Description: "I do not understand the cost of education as you see it. There is no dollar sign on the future of our country. These children are an investment. You would spend more money on a nice car than what we're trying to do on a public school."

The bill passed 98 to 62. The bill needs one more vote to move on to the Senate.

From the State Capitol, I'm Rebecca Beitsch, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro: School districts could cut their weeks short by a full day as the Missouri House gave first round approval to a bill allowing four day school weeks.

Rebecca Beitsch (b-EYE-ch) has more from the State Capitol.

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Missouri schools could have the option to switch to a four day school week now that the measure has passed in the House.

One more vote is needed before it moves to the Senate.

Thornfield Republican Maynard Wallace said changing to a four day week is a decision best left for school boards.

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Description: "It's optional, totally optional. Let's trust our local boards. Many of you have served on school boards. Some of you may in the future serve on school boards. You are the people closest, you are the elected people closest to the people."

Critics said a short week would force parents to find care for younger children and that extracurriculars would be disrupted.

From Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Beitsch, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro: Students and teachers could soon have more three day weekends with the Missouri House giving first round approval to a measure calling for four-day school weeks.

Rebecca Beitsch (b-EYE-ch) has more from Jefferson City.

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The four day school week led legislators to pose countless questions on how good it will be for students.

How will children be cared for on the day off? Will teen pregnancy rates go up? Crime? How will extracurriculars be affected?

But Shannon County Democrat J.C. Kuessner says he wants to know if cutting the week short is best for Missouri students.

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Description: "Forget about the dollars and cents. We're already 45th in the amount of money we put into public education K through 12. There are 44 other states that put in more. Here we're trying to tweak this out and sacrifice the kids in doing so."

Supporters say the shortened weak with a longer day should not affect children's ability to learn.

From the State Capitol, I'm Rebecca Beitsch, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.