Four Day Week Not Saving Idaho Schools Much

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — A state education department review of schools that have switched to a four-day week has found most districts are not seeing substantial savings. The Idaho Department of Education's review found most savings come from decreased work schedules for staff paid by the hour.

Soda Springs School District Board Chairman Alan Erickson says many of the district's savings have been eaten up by increases in utility, fuel and insurance costs. Erickson tells The Idaho State Journal (http://bit.ly/YamPRP ) the district initially saved $80,000 to $100,000, but the cost of fuel has cut into that.

But he says they could not afford to lose the rest of the savings at this point. The education department says 44 school districts and charter schools were on a four-day week for the 2012-2013 school year.