HAVANA, Ark. — The Western Yell County School District has been experiencing some problems. One of those issues is a budget debt.
During the 2018-2019 academic year, the school was in a $159,000 deficit. After several cuts and adjustments, the school now has a proposed deficit of $59,000.
The school also received below average academic ratings. Statewide, the elementary school has a D rating and the high school has a C.
After a lot of research, the school decided students and faculty will have school Monday through Thursday. The days will also be an hour longer, making the daily attendance from 7:55 a.m.- 4:15 p.m.
"Our schedule now has 42 minute classes, and by the time the students settle down when they get in there, then there's not as much teaching time as we would like," said Western Yell Co. Superintendent Hershel Cleveland.
Fridays will still have educational opportunities for students. There will be extra curricular classes offered and more one-on-one teaching.
"There's just sometimes not enough time to get around to everybody. You have a class of 22-23 students it's hard to give them 10-12 minutes apiece that they really need to understand," said Devin Tubbs, a Western Yell County high school teacher.
"They're going to get more opportunities for that extra help that they need, but also programs, such as robotics and technology," said Lori George, a Western Yell County elementary school teacher.
The new school hours will start on July 1, 2020.