Ohio district proposes shorter school week

LONDON, Ohio (AP) — A central Ohio school district is proposing a four-day school week as a remedy for its budget problems, an idea that would need a change in state law.

Schools Superintendent Steve Allen in London tells The Columbus Dispatch that shortening the week would save the district at least $245,000 a year on utility, busing, personnel and other costs.

The school system has a tax measure on the Nov. 8 ballot that would cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $260 per year. The school board is prepared to make new cuts if the levy fails.

A bill in the Ohio House would allow districts more flexibility in scheduling.

The National Conference of State Legislatures says more than 20 states already have some school districts on four-day weeks.