Would Four Day Weeks Work?

by Lyn Newton | More from this Blogger

24 May 2008 05:06 PM

While listening to the news yesterday I heard a news clip that caught my attention. As I had stated in a few previous articles, the rise of gas is causing some school districts to rethink the way that they spend money. Schools all across America are trying to cut back and make their money go further.

In one article I described how rumor had it that my district was considering four day weeks to save on cost.

Yesterday, I heard that my district was not alone. Minnesota also has the same idea. While it was told that Fridays would be the day off for my school, Minnesota schools have chosen Mondays.

After pondering on the four day school weeks, I have discovered that there would be both some pros and cons to the situation.

Four day weeks would save on costs in many areas. Naturally fuel would be one of them. Buses could sit for one entire day longer than with the five day weeks. Schools could also save on mileage and maintenance of the vehicles.

School districts would save on food. Breakfast and lunch would only be served for four days not five. Therefore the cafeteria budget would go further. The state would also save on the supplement that they send for free and reduced lunches.

While the hours spent at school should even out from the students attending longer four day weeks than shorter five day weeks, the schools are sure to also save on power and water. I cannot believe that the students would use as much during the extra hour or two in the afternoons accumulated as they would in a full day. The water and power used to cook the extra day of lunch and breakfast would also be saved.

Although so far four day weeks sound great, check back for some cons in attending school four days a week.

Learn more about Lyn Newton

Lyn is a kindergarten teacher and mommy to a girl and a boy. In her spare time, she enjoys informative and creative writing.

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