Shorter weeks for TPS?

TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - It's a plan kids might love, but parents could hate. The Toledo Public School district is looking into the savings that a four day school week could offer.

But Superintendent John Foley said Thursday that before he gets too far into investigating the proposed plan, he has to get permission from the State. That is because a 180-day school year is required in Ohio, and four-day school weeks would technically shorten the district's school year.

Initially Foley said the district could save in transportaion, food services and utilities. The exact savings is unknown presently.

If TPS moves to a four-day school week, the average day for elementary students would go from six hours day to close to eight-hour school days.

At least 18 states in the United States have school districts that have converted to a shorter week. Many other school districts across America are looking to make the switch to save money.

This plan has faced tough criticism from parents in other states, especially those who work because they have to line up daycare for their kids on the fifth day.