The superintendent of a western Massachusetts school district says it's worth exploring a four-day school week as a way of saving money and improving education.
BUCKLAND, Mass. (AP) — The superintendent of a western Massachusetts school district says it's worth exploring a four-day school week as a way of saving money and improving education.
Mohawk Trail Regional School District Superintendent Michael Buoniconti says he will ask the school committee Wednesday for permission explore the option.
He tells The Recorder of Greenfield (http://bit.ly/1dfGdVY ) that about 300 mostly rural districts across the nation have already gone to four-day weeks.
He says they save on transportation and utility costs, while staff attendance goes up, reducing the need to hire substitutes. Some have reported improved test scores.
He says the school day would have to be expanded by about 90 minutes to meet state requirements.
Mohawk serves children from the towns of Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Hawley, Heath, Plainfield, Rowe, and Shelburne.
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Information from: The (Greenfield, Mass.) Recorder, http://www.recorder.com