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Disaster Recovery Done Right: Trust Atlas for Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Mesquite, TX.

When you own a business, property damage is an unfortunate occurrence that happens all too often. Property damage can be caused by any number of disasters, both natural and man-made. Most often, however, property damage happens from an excess of water. From very heavy rainstorms to broken pipes, water damage can be incredibly harmful not just for your storefront but for your customers.

When water spreads through your commercial property, it happens quickly, causing damage as it moves. At the same time, furnishings and porous materials soak up moisture. In just a short amount of time, you could be dealing with warping, rotting, and even mold growth. That's why water damage remediation is so important - to address your current damage and prevent water from making your business unsafe.

At Atlas National Renovations, we know that dealing with water damage seems like a losing effort on your own. But when you trust our water damage restoration team, you don't have to lose hope. We provide comprehensive water remediation services for businesses of all size in Texas. From the first time we lay eyes on your water damage to the time we mitigate your problem, we're here for you. With a team of IICRC certified technicians and innovative restoration tools at our disposal, we specialize in making your business safe again.

Unlike some of our competitors, we are fiercely dedicated to our clients and aim to exceed their expectations with the highest quality water damage restoration services in Mesquite, TX. When water damage hits your business, time is of the essence, which is why we get to work quickly and efficiently by assessing the damage to your property. Once we know the extent of your water damage, we'll consult with you about its severity and detail the next steps you should take so you can make an informed purchasing decision.

With decades of combined experience, there is no disaster cleanup project too complex or large for our team to handle. We assist small businesses, large commercial entities, and even multi-family apartment complexes. Our clients trust Atlas National Renovations to keep them dry, safe, and secure, and it would be our pleasure to help do the same for you.

In addition to our reliability and quality of work, our customers choose us over others because we offer:

Service Areas

Fair, Accurate Work Estimates

We drain water from your property, not money from your bank account.

Clear, Constant Communication

When you work with Atlas, you're never left wondering what's happening with your commercial property.

Detailed Deadlines and Schedules

We're meticulous about sticking to schedules and meeting deadlines. You can always expect us to be on time and ready to work.

Experienced Project Managers

We assign seasoned, hardworking project managers for each of our projects. When you work with Atlas, you're working with the best.

Courteous and Knowledgeable Leadership

Excellence starts at the top, and our leadership team is the best in the business.

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What is Water Damage Restoration in in Mesquite, TX

If you're currently dealing with serious water damage from a flood, broken pipe, or other cause, you're probably not sure what to do next. While it's understandable to feel panicky, it's important that you have the water removed as quickly as possible. When structural damage and health hazards are at play, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will get. The damage you see with your eyes is usually the tip of the iceberg - most water damage gets deep in your carpets and walls fast.

Atlas' water damage restoration services are focused on restoring and repairing the damage that water causes to commercial property. The primary purpose of our restoration services is to return your property to the condition it was in prior to the damage. Once your water damage has been mitigated, our team swoops in to begin the restoration process.

Depending on the scope and severity of your water damage, common water damage restoration services can include:

  • Damaged Flooring and Wall Replacement
  • Damaged Roof Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Humidity and Moisture Testing

While little can be done to predict natural disasters, there are common signs you can keep an eye on to prevent serious water damage from occurring.

Disaster Recovery Mesquite, TX

Common Signs of Commercial Water Damage in Mesquite, TX

There's no convenient time to be sidelined with water damage when it comes to your commercial property and business. Water damage to your commercial or industrial property is particularly devastating because every hour that your business is closed means lost revenue and productivity. You do not just have to deal with damage to the structural integrity of your building - you have to deal with the disruption of service to your loyal customers.

The good news? Atlas is here when you need us most, with a team of highly-trained technicians and unmatched water damage restoration expertise. We're ready to tackle your problem and solve it in an efficient, effective manner, so you can keep your doors open and your clients happy.

As a business owner, you know that one of the best ways to prevent a disaster is to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand. For that reason, keep an eye out for the following signs of water damage to your commercial property:

 Renovations Mesquite, TX
Look for Mold

Look for Mold:

Mold can begin to grow just a day or two after water has taken hold of your business. If you see small signs of mold growth in an area where you suspect a leak, contact Atlas National Renovations ASAP to diagnose the problem.

Check Your Pipes

Check Your Pipes:

If it's safe to do so, check out the piping inside and outside your commercial property. You want to keep a keen eye out for oxidation and corrosion around pipe fixtures. While you're at it, check your water heater for rust too. Corrosion or rust is a telltale sign of a water leak.

Check for Rings

Check for Rings:

Dark spots on walls and ceilings usually indicate water damage. If you see rings around a stain, the damage is probably older. Several rings with different shades of color mean an intermittent issue, where the area has been soaked and dried several times.

Understand Your Property

Understand Your Property:

This is more of a suggestion than a sign. As the commercial property owner, you should know your building's pipe system. You should know what is old and new and what areas may be at risk for water damage. Keep an extra-close eye on areas that have a higher potential for leaks, especially during rainstorms.

Benefits of Commercial Water Damage Restoration
in Mesquite, TX

When water invades your business or commercial property, you don't have much time to ponder your next course of action. While some business owners opt to try DIY water damage restoration, in most cases, they end up with more damage and expenses than before their leak. For the most effective, comprehensive solution to water damage, it's important that you hire a professional. At Atlas National Renovations, our primary focus is assisting business owners and commercial property managers with water damage restoration. We've been doing it for years, and we can help you too.

Here are just a few of the most common benefits we hear from past customers:

 Apartment Renovations Mesquite, TX
Safe Shopping Experience

Safe Shopping Experience

If you own a business, the health and safety of your customers is of utmost importance. When water damage occurs inside your storefront, you could be dealing with more than property damage. Depending on the severity of your issue, contaminants and microorganisms may be present, putting your customers' health at risk. When you trust a professional water damage restoration company like Atlas to remediate your water leak, you're not just putting a stop to the leak. Our team will clean and sanitize your business, making it safe for customers to continue shopping at your store.

Quick Response Time

Quick Response Time

Water damage can create unbearable conditions in your commercial property. As such, your water restoration company must be quick to respond. Professional water damage companies like Atlas respond quickly and can clean up water, dry and disinfect the area, and make necessary repairs. Because we have an entire team of pros and industry-leading equipment, we can be on site in minutes.

Less Damage, Better Costs

Less Damage, Better Costs

Water damage can be very expensive. Sometimes, it only takes a couple of hours to result in heavy losses. How soon you call the experts could mean the difference between painting over a water stain and having to rebuild an entire area of damaged drywall. When you call Atlas immediately, clients often reduce the cost of water damage restoration and overall building damage.

Capital Expenditure Services

In addition to our disaster recovery services, we also offer large-scale upgrades and improvements for your capital expenditures. If you own or manage a large commercial building or a multi-family property, you need to make sure your capital expenditures maintain present operating levels and foster your company's future growth.

At Atlas National Renovations, class A, B, and C properties are our bread and butter. We take the time to understand our customer's needs and expectations from the start so we can deliver outstanding results. If you're looking for a top-tier contractor to do the job right the first time, look no further than Atlas. Our customers love our team because we make large, highly-complicated projects easy to finish.

If you're looking to invest in the future of your business, know that we are here to help with projects like these:

  • High Volume Unit Upgrades and Improvements
  • Amenity Upgrades and Conversions
  • Common Area Improvements
  • High Volume Carpet, LVT, and Tile Installation
  • Courtyards and Hardscapes
  • Package Room and Mail Center Upgrades and Additions
  • Fitness Center Upgrades and Improvements
  • Dog Parks and Pet Stations
  • Signage Improvements and Additions
  • LED Lighting and Electrical Upgrades

Fitness Center Upgrades
and Improvements

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Multi-Family Building Deficiencies and Restoration Services

New multi-family properties are entering the market every day. That means that older communities must be renovated to keep up with modern demands and tenant needs. Upgrades to amenities, aesthetics and even structural changes help assets stay up-to-date. At the same time, damages from leaks and storms must be addressed. If you're a multi-family property manager or owner, and need unmatched restoration capability, Atlas National Renovations is here to serve you.

We specialize in cutting-edge, high-quality ways to achieve your renovation goals - for your tenants but also for your corporate leaders and management team. After all, a successful multi-family renovation benefits all parties.

We currently work with the top multi-family groups across our state. Unlike some multi-family renovation companies in Texas, our team understands the inner workings of the multi-family environment. Our customers appreciate our accommodations to their residents, maintenance team, leasing team, corporate leaders, and beyond. We're proud to say we know multi-family, inside and out, and have the credentials to back up those claims.

When crafting a multi-family restoration plan, we always consider your tenant's demographics, your building's curb appeal, property age, and energy efficiency. Whether you need to have significant updates applied to an older property or need a water damage inspection for a brand-new building, we can help.

Here is a quick glance at some of the multi-family renovations that our team handles:

  • Leak Detection and Water Intrusion Investigation
  • Exterior Sealants and Waterproofing
  • Large Interior and Exterior Paint Projects
  • Stucco Remediation and Exterior Facade Re-Clads
  • Full Property Exterior Repaints
  • Concrete and Flatwork
  • Corridor and Common Area Painting
  • Roof Replacement

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Discover the
Atlas Difference

Water damage restoration is a crucial, complex process that must be completed properly to save your business from serious damage. Choosing the right professional is equally important, especially when your customers' health is on the line. Whether you need large-scale commercial restoration or quick, effective water damage cleanup for your storefront business, know that we are only a phone call away. Contact our friendly team of experts to learn more about Atlas National Renovations and how we clean up your water damage mess better than the rest.

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Latest News in Mesquite, TX

Mesquite ISD backs off four-day school week proposal

Mesquite school leaders backed away from a proposal to move to a four-day week. The district was among the largest in Texas to consider cutting down the academic week in an effort to recruit and retain more teachers. The choice has so far mostly been limited to small and rural districts.Related:...

Mesquite school leaders backed away from a proposal to move to a four-day week.

The district was among the largest in Texas to consider cutting down the academic week in an effort to recruit and retain more teachers. The choice has so far mostly been limited to small and rural districts.

Related:Mesquite ISD considers a four-day school week

The “extreme teacher shortage” in Mesquite ISD can lead to unfilled positions, a large number of uncertified educators and larger class sizes, according to a district webpage explaining why they considered the switch to a shorter school week.

But community members raised concerns about how closing schools to students each Friday would impact those who rely on campuses for meals. They worried about child care challenges that could lead to students being unsupervised. More than 38,000 students are enrolled in Mesquite schools.

Based on concerns about the negative impact on learning, Superintendent Ángel Rivera told the board he will not recommend a four-day instructional week, according to spokeswoman Brenda Gonzalez.

Related:More Texas districts debate 4-day school weeks. Is it worth it?

A new proposed calendar will be brought to the trustees Monday evening. The administration wants to extend the school day by 15 minutes to allow for extra breaks during the school year and enable the district to finish the year before Memorial Day.

“The new draft calendar will seek to address the issues of teacher workload, planning time, professional learning and work-life balance,” Gonzalez said in a statement.

About 40 Texas districts are on a four-day week, with more than a dozen launching the schedule this school year, according to estimates from the Texas Classroom Teachers Association.

Anna and Terrell ISDs recently adopted the four-day instructional week for next academic year.

Staff writer Valeria Olivares contributed to this article.

The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas.

The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.

Texas' economy is recovering at an unprecedented rate, according to a presentation at this Mesquite chamber event

Mesquite community members gathered at Dallas College Eastfield to learn about where the local economy is going.Three years after the pandemic, the state of Texas is continuing to recover at an unprecedented rate following an unprecedented decline, according to Stephen Clayton with the Dallas Federal Reserve.“We had a very strong recovery coming out of the pandemic,” he said. “The fundamentals of our state economy are strong, and that strength allowed us to bounce back quickly from the unprecedentedly large ec...

Mesquite community members gathered at Dallas College Eastfield to learn about where the local economy is going.

Three years after the pandemic, the state of Texas is continuing to recover at an unprecedented rate following an unprecedented decline, according to Stephen Clayton with the Dallas Federal Reserve.

“We had a very strong recovery coming out of the pandemic,” he said. “The fundamentals of our state economy are strong, and that strength allowed us to bounce back quickly from the unprecedentedly large economic pullback.”

According to Clayton, the state saw an over 1.4 million loss in jobs – almost 10% of its total job market – within five weeks at the start of the pandemic.

“It was 10 times more than the job loss seen in the great recession in 2008,” he said. “On a weekly basis, this is the greatest job loss we've ever seen.”

While it typically has taken years to recover from an economic recession, Clayton said Texas has recovered quicker than it has historically. While employment growth in the past has been around 2%, it has jumped to 4% to 6% in the last couple of years, and it’s still on the rise. According to Clayton, Texas has grown 1% above the national average each year in its employment rates.

With a strongly diverse economy powered largely by technology and manufacturing, the Dallas area was the second least impacted by the pandemic area, behind Austin. San Antonio was largely impacted due to its reliance on tourism. West Texas and Houston were also impacted due to a decrease in fuel demands.

Clayton said participation in the labor force has declined.

The most impacted part of the labor force was single mothers who worked in a face-to-face service industry. With a lack of access to affordable childcare, single mothers have had a harder time finding employment, according to Clayton.

Coming out of the pandemic, manufacturing has become a more prominent industry.

Construction has slowed due to supply chain issues, a labor shortage and higher interest rates, Clayton said.

When Mesquite Chamber of Commerce President Alexander Helgar asked Clayton what other sectors Mesquite should add to its increasingly diverse economy, Clayton said developers should be wary of class-A offices because of the current lack of demand.

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School events, butterflies, macarons and more: see what Mesquite has coming the week of March 19

Here are five things to do in and around Mesquite the week of March 19:Leave your Mark on Mesquite’s Butterfly TrailKeep Mesquite Beautiful (KMB) invites community members to participate in an opportunity to enhance one of Mesquite’s natural treasures, the Paschall Park Butterfly Trail on Saturday, March 25 for National Learn About Butterflies Day.In cooperation with the City of Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department, Keep Mesquite Beautiful is working with experts in the native plant field...

Here are five things to do in and around Mesquite the week of March 19:

Leave your Mark on Mesquite’s Butterfly Trail

Keep Mesquite Beautiful (KMB) invites community members to participate in an opportunity to enhance one of Mesquite’s natural treasures, the Paschall Park Butterfly Trail on Saturday, March 25 for National Learn About Butterflies Day.

In cooperation with the City of Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department, Keep Mesquite Beautiful is working with experts in the native plant field to broaden the wildflower meadows, enhance the show of flowers, and increase the quantity of butterflies visiting the area.

More information can be found by calling 972-329-8331.

Learn more about your city

The City of Mesquite is hosting a town hall meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Mesquite City Hall, 757 N. Galloway Ave in Training Rooms A & B, beginning at 6:30 p.m. to discuss communications. Attendees can learn about the City of Mesquite's new initiatives to communicate with the whole community.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2N93oKR

Spring Equinox and National Macaron Day

Join the Mesquite Arts Council as they welcome you back for their monthly "Tote + Go" services that provide art kits to the public. This is a free service, with no registration required, and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Children DO NOT need to be present.

On Monday, March 20 at 12 PM. Mesquite Arts Center staff will hand out 100 kits that are inspired by Spring Equinox (March 20 at 4:24 PM) and National Macaron Day (March 20) . This will include:

Story time at Town East Mall

Come #ReadPlayTalk with Mesquite ISD at its monthly story time at Town East Mall from 12:30-1 p.m. March 23. This month's story time will be led by ReadPlayTalk and ChildCareGroup. Families will enjoy a story and a craft.

Mesquite ISD Teacher Job Fair

Join Mesquite ISD for its upcoming hiring event for teachers on Saturday, March 25, from 9-11 a.m. at the K. David Belt Professional Development Center (located at 3819 Towne Crossing Blvd. Mesquite, TX 75150 - Enter on the NE side of the building - across from El Fenix)

Mesquite ISD has seen improvements in academic performance since it began learning recovery efforts, according to presentations at Mesquite ISD’s recent board of trustees meeting.

At a March 6 meeting, ESSER Effectiveness Officer Orlando Riddick showed the board how students’ standardized testing scores have changed from September 2022 to January 2023.

When looking at English and Language Arts scores, students in first through third grade who took the Amira test showed a 28% increase in students at or beyond their grade level. The number of students who were a year behind dropped by 47%, Riddick said.

Children in fourth and fifth grade who took the Waggle test showed an overall decrease in the number of students not meeting their grade level and an increase of students meeting or exceeding their grade level of English comprehension. The same trend occurred for students in grades 6-8 who took the IStation test.

High school students taking English I and English II showed a slight increase in English MAP scores from an average 211 to 214 between September and January. The district aims to meet or exceed its pre-pandemic score of 222 average between both levels.

Overall, math MAP scores have increased across all grades except 10th grade, which saw no change, Riddick said.

Students in grades K-8 saw 35.1% of its population who did not meet their grade level, 39.9% who approach grade level, 19.1% who meet grade level and 5.9% who mastered their grade level.

Students in Algebra I saw 37.6% of students who did not meet their grade level, 37.6% of students who approached grade level, 19.1% of students who met their grade level and 1.9% of students who mastered grade level.

In a separate report, Advanced Academics Director Russell Weeks said that Mesquite ISD is seeing more students engage in advanced academics.

Currently, 7% of Mesquite ISD’s student body participates in advanced academics – 2% more than the state average, Weeks said.

The number of AP tests administered in Mesquite ISD rose by 190 since 2021, and the number of students who earned credits also increased.

Students enrolled in dual credit with Dallas College earned a combined 13,628 credit hours. Additionally, 64 Mesquite students were nationally recognized for their SAT scores, and more of the district’s academic teams have qualified for state and national competitions, Weeks said.

Middle schools and elementary schools are also seeing expanded academic programs with spelling bees now offered to grades 3-5 and the A+ Academic UIL program expanding beyond the high school level.

In a video Weeks played for the board of trustees, students said that having academic competitions has helped build confidence and generated more excitement for learning and competing with their peers.

Mesquite control is not an easy task — let LandVisor improve the odds

Mesquite control has always been more than just herbicide selection. For successful mesquite control, land managers must also track a complex mix of environmental factors to determine optimum timing.“Some leaf conditions cannot be seen by the naked eye, and it’s hard to track and compare growing conditions across multiple years, but we can do that with LandVisor,” says Benny Martinez, market development specialist, Corteva Agriscience.LandVisor advanced brush management helps producers figure out where and whe...

Mesquite control has always been more than just herbicide selection. For successful mesquite control, land managers must also track a complex mix of environmental factors to determine optimum timing.

“Some leaf conditions cannot be seen by the naked eye, and it’s hard to track and compare growing conditions across multiple years, but we can do that with LandVisor,” says Benny Martinez, market development specialist, Corteva Agriscience.

LandVisor advanced brush management helps producers figure out where and when spraying will deliver the best return — and where it won’t.

Before LandVisor, producers were totally dependent on visual indicators to guess what was going on in the plant. It was the only way to judge the plant’s ability to absorb and translocate herbicide.

“With the technology and insight we collect through LandVisor, we can better calculate times to apply brush control, as well as when not to apply those measures,” says Martinez. “And with LandVisor maps, the entire landscape is

visible, enabling assessment of the total mesquite community, instead of a few selective plants.”

Improve the initial level of mesquite mortality and garner long-term control with LandVisor advanced brush management from Corteva Agriscience.

KNOW BEFORE THE SPRAY

K.C. Windham says he got a different picture of his Clyde, Texas, ranch when he enrolled in LandVisor advanced brush management.

“With this program, you don’t have to guess,” he says.

The ranch has been in his family for four generations. Windham has seen it all from horseback since he was big enough to ride, but LandVisor provided a more detailed, interactive image.

“Mesquite is notoriously difficult to kill,” Windham says. “If you have to budget for brush control, this technology really helps you out.”

A critical element in successful control is timing the spray application when mesquite is most susceptible. LandVisor monitors the health of the mesquite foliage, its growth stage and other environmental factors. That information determines when the mesquite is ready to spray.

HIGHER, MORE CONSISTENT CONTROL

As Martinez explains, relying on LandVisor helps take the guesswork out of application timing. Making applications inside prescription parameters for LandVisor advanced brush management significantly improves the level of mortality.

“Data collected over a four-year period shows LandVisor not only facilitates an increase in mesquite mortality, it also increases consistency of rootkill when recommendations are followed,” Martinez says. “And level of rootkill directly correlates to longevity of control.”

To request a demo or for more information, visit LandVisor.com.

®Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies.

Related

Could Four-Day School Weeks Be the Future of Texas Schools?

Many teachers have had just about enough of the state’s public education system, and some are seriously considering leaving (or have already left) the field. So, in an attempt to hold onto faculty and staff, certain North Texas school districts are turning to a four-day school week.Mesquite ISD is one of the districts mulling a new calendar. Its website states that the four-day model would give ...

Many teachers have had just about enough of the state’s public education system, and some are seriously considering leaving (or have already left) the field. So, in an attempt to hold onto faculty and staff, certain North Texas school districts are turning to a four-day school week.

Mesquite ISD is one of the districts mulling a new calendar. Its website states that the four-day model would give staff more time to plan and “address instructional needs with the goal of improving overall performance.”

Reached for comment, a spokesperson said the district is not granting interviews on the subject right now, but that the board of trustees will come to a decision by March 6.

Laura Jobe, Mesquite ISD’s chief information officer, presented pertinent data during a mid-February board discussion about the 2023–24 school year.

“Research tells us that the teacher is the most important factor in a student’s academic success, and that is what is driving this process to explore some other calendars to see if that can help us recruit and retain more teachers,” she said during last week’s meeting. “We have a desire to ensure that we have a quality teacher in every single classroom in Mesquite ISD, and as you know, we are facing a nationwide shortage.”

A national survey from last fall indicates that more than half of public schools, 53%, were understaffed at the beginning of this school year, per the National Education Association. Jobe noted that Mesquite ISD saw some 108 teacher vacancies in August, though the district has since recovered a bit.

The idea of moving to a condensed instructional week appears popular among Mesquite ISD employees and parents alike. Asked in a survey how they’d view a four-day model for next year, 72% of parents said they were very or somewhat supportive of the change, and 84% of staff said the same.

More than 40 districts across the state have embraced the four-day schedule, including Anna and Terrell ISDs in North Texas. Mesquite ISD would be the largest district to implement such a shift in this region, according to WFAA.

Nicole Hill, communications director for the Texas AFT union, called the idea of four-day weeks a “multi-layered situation.”

“I think what is always a concern when you're dealing with this is loss of instructional time,” she said. “We're always worried about that, obviously, especially coming out of a pandemic where we lost an immense amount of instructional time. But I would also say you could have a district that has a six-day week and still not get a quality education if all of that time is being eaten up by things like [standardized] testing.” The way Hill sees it, it’s important to ask whether this idea is treating a symptom or a root cause. Some districts have had positive employee feedback about the change, but there are many more quality-of-life issues that need to be addressed, as well as higher pay.

Teachers often push for protected non-instructional time to plan and collaborate with colleagues, so a four-day week could potentially help improve working conditions, said Holly Eaton, director of professional development and advocacy with the Texas Classroom Teachers Association. Some participating districts have chosen to add time to each of the school days to make up for the day off. Other districts, meanwhile, are instead extending the school year.

Eaton also mentioned a notable distinction: This wouldn't mean a four-day work week for teachers, who would presumably clock in on the fifth day. And some districts may provide options for the children of working parents who would otherwise need to find daycare.

However, one study of a recently minted four-day school district found a drop in student achievement and teacher retention, Eaton said. Nearby home values also slumped. Part of the problem may be that the district didn’t raise teacher salaries to make pay more competitive.

“To me that sort of says: It can't be a silver bullet if you're trying to address teacher shortages,” Eaton said. “It can be one facet of a probably multi-pronged approach.”

In addition, advocates may tout the move as a cost-saving measure, but Eaton said research suggests that districts usually just save below 3%.

“It's a pretty mixed bag on the research,” she said, “so it's important to proceed with caution.”

Texas AFT’s Hill mentioned that many of her organization’s members believe they don’t have a voice in decisions regarding their own profession. It’s encouraging to see districts like Mesquite asking for their employees’ thoughts via surveys, she said.

Public education is in a “very interesting moment,” she continued. The Texas Legislature is considering bills that could shape the state’s school system for better or worse: While some lawmakers are pushing for teacher pay raises, others are gunning for school vouchers and privatization.

“It's this weird tension right now in the education space. On one hand, you want to give us money, and on the other hand, you want to take that money away,” she said. “We really do have two paths here. … And we will see in May which one we choose.”

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