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Should Vt. Adopt Four-Day School Week?

Colchester, Vermont - June 18, 2008

Summer has officially arrived... and kids couldn't be happier.

But if Sen. Vince Illuzzi, R-Essex-Orleans, has his way-- come this time next year-- kids may still be in school.

Illuzzi wants to shorten the school week to four days. That means kids would have to either spend two more hours a day in the classroom, or get out of school about a month and a half later in the summer.

"I think that's pretty cool," says second-grader Allison Plouffe.

While some students may love the idea of a shorter week, it's receiving mixed reviews from parents.

"For me personally it would be great because I'm self-employed so child care is not an issue," says parent Kris Irish.

"I have a four-day work week so for me it would be fine for me to have my kids have a four-day school week, but I could see it would be a challenge for the parents," says parent Cathleen Wilson.

"A totally bad idea," says parent Kristie Real. "I work full time, so I would prefer definitely five days of school. Child care would be my biggest problem."

Illuzzi says a four-day work week would save schools money-- as fuel prices and heating costs continue to rise.

But not all school officials are backing the idea.

"I would be opposed to it for a couple of reasons. One, it doesn't serve our learners," says Colchester School Superintendent Lawrence Waters.

The Colchester School District spends about $200,000 a year on diesel fuel and upwards of $240,000 a year heating its schools.

Waters isn't convinced that a shorter week is the best way to cut back on costs, since most buildings would still have to be heated for other extra-curricular activities.

Most schools also lack air conditioning-- a big challenge should the school year be extended into the summer.

"Put 25 students in the classroom and I think you'll find it gets warm in there," says Waters.

But a four-day week is an idea the Department of Education says it's willing to consider-- even though many challenges stand in its path.

Several school districts in other states have successfully adopted a four-day school week, but here in Vermont, state law would likely have to be amended. Vermont students are currently required to attend 175 days of a school a year-- not taking the length of the school day into account.

Senator Illuzzi's idea also extends to state government. He wants state employees to work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days. The Douglas administration will study the idea.

Keagan Harsha - WCAX News