CORTEZ, Colo.—Board members of the Montezuma-Cortez School District in southwest Colorado have voted to switch to a four-day school week starting this fall, to help alleviate a $1 million budget deficit.
Superintendent Stacy Houser has estimated the change would shave roughly $300,000 from the budget by reducing electricity costs and cutting back on part-time workers.
The board voted 4-3 to approve the measure Tuesday.
Board President Jackie Fisher voted against it, saying the board made the decision “way too fast.”
But board member Diane Fox said the district was looking at a financial crisis and the positive aspects of moving to a four-day week “far outweigh any negative aspects.” She said four-day weeks lead to better morale and better teacher and student attendance.
The Montezuma-Cortez district includes about 10 schools and has more than 3,000 students.
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Information from: Durango Herald,
