Dallas City Wire

Spring break is a common occurrence during the academic year, and in most public school districts in North Texas, so will fall break.

Dallas-Fort Worth CBS affiliate KTVT reported that students across the Metroplex will get an added vacation not too long after they return to class from the summer.

Per KTVT, the concept has drawn mixed feelings among parents, with some receptive toward it, while others are skeptical.

Mesquite Independent School District (MISD) parent Rachel Benbrook said she and her family are excited about a break during the fall semester.

"It can be difficult, but it's also really enjoyable to have them around more,” Benbrook, who has two kids in the district, told the station. “I feel like I never get enough time.”

MISD hopes that the new vacation period will act as a catalyst for attracting more teachers.

One teacher divulged to the station that she welcomes the opportunity to recharge her batteries when the leaves turn from green to orange.

According to KTVT, the Plano Independent School District (PISD) is the largest school district in the area to implement a fall break, with the first of such listed on its 2023-2024 calendar.

The station reported that students will be off from school for an entire week in October.

KTVT reported that at least two North Texas districts already have fall break on their calendars.

The Garland Independent School District (GISD) instituted it in 2021, while officials with the Forney Independent School District (FISD) told the station that theirs was the first in the region to have it dating back half a decade ago.

For some districts, the implementation of fall break would coincide with the four-day school week.

Citing Austin NBC affiliate KXAN, Dallas City Wire reported that as of March 7, at least 60 districts have elected to implement a shortened school week, while others will devote a part of the year to four-day weeks.

The Rains Independent School District (RISD), which is at least 75 miles east of Dallas, is one of those districts to make the switch, to which Superintendent Jennifer Johnson said is in response to Texas currently occupying the 28th spot on the list of states that pay their teachers the most, the publication reported.