CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS)— A newly introduced bill in the West Virginia House of Delegates would allow some counties to experiment with a four-day school week as part of a limited pilot program.
House Bill 4946 would authorize the State Board of Education to approve a two-year pilot program permitting county school systems to shift from the traditional five-day school week to four days, if certain conditions are met.
What the Bill Does
The bill does not mandate a four-day school week statewide. Instead, it allows counties to apply for approval by submitting a detailed plan showing how the change would improve student learning while still meeting instructional time requirements.
Participating counties would have to:
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Maintain required instructional minutes
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Ensure teachers have adequate planning and collaboration time
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Demonstrate that the schedule change benefits student learning
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Receive approval from the State Board of Education
Public Input Required
Before adopting a four-day week, county school boards would be required to hold at least two public meetings to gather input from parents, teachers, businesses, and community members.
The proposal emphasizes local control, allowing counties to decide whether the model works best for their students and communities.
Why It Matters
Four-day school weeks have gained attention nationwide as districts look for ways to address staffing shortages, reduce burnout, and improve attendance. Supporters say the model can help schools recruit and retain teachers while giving families more flexibility. Critics often raise concerns about childcare, learning loss, and equity for working families.
What’s Next
House Bill 4946 has been referred to the House Committee on Education for review. The bill remains early in the legislative process and could be amended before moving forward.
If approved, the pilot program would allow counties to test the four-day school week for up to two years before any broader decision is made.
