The El Paso Independent School District faced a $23 million budget cut in May 2025 and considered moving to a four-day school week to save money for 2025–2026. Board member Matty Sutton called the proposal “a big win for parents and students.” 

The plan would cut Fridays from the calendar. To meet the Texas rule of 1,260 annual school hours, school days would be 8.5 to 10 hours long. District leaders said fewer days would lower overtime pay and reduce operating costs. 

The schedule was included in the district calendar in late 2024–2025 but was delayed before being put in place. 

Some students said the longer days would be difficult. Junior Destiny Lucero said, “I wouldn’t appreciate that. The longer days would make my schedule too busy.” She added that many students and teachers have responsibilities outside of school. 

Others thought there could be pros and cons. Junior Jasmine Perez said, “Students will have extra time to work on assignments and study, but people who don’t have rides at a certain time would struggle.” 

A third student, Sara Segura, also shared her opinion. She said that while the plan may save money, she dislikes the idea of 10-hour school days and finds it inconvenient. 

The different reactions show how students view the plan in different ways. The school board has not said when or if the proposal will come back for a final vote.