Keystone+Oaks+Considering+4+Day+School+Week+To+Cut+Costs

=// Published on wpxi.com //= =// 5/20/11 //= = = = = =**PITTSBURGH -- **A local school district is considering a four day school week in an effort to cut costs.Under the plan, school officials said students would go to class Tuesday through Friday. State funding to the district was cut by $1 million, forcing officials to find ways to save."We learned of districts considering closings, teacher furloughs, increased class sizes, reduction of programs. I'm looking at this as a way, perhaps down the road, we can avoid some of those things," said Keystone Oaks superintendent Dr. Bill Urbanek.Urbanek said he has asked Governor Tom Corbertt to allow the four day week. He said school hours would be extended by a half an hour Tuesdays-Friday to make up for the lost day. Urbanek said the shortened week could save the district thousands of dollars in transportation and utility costs.Students Channel 11 News spoke to are in favor of the change, but some parents are concerned."Parents would have to find childcare for that day if they have a five-day workweek," said mom Dawn Natto.Keystone Oaks would be the first district in the state to test the concept. Urbanek said despite the shortened week, education would not be sacrificed."We are not going to reduce instructional time. The teachers aren't going to work less hours. We're just going to look at school year in terms of hours now instead of day," Urbanek said.If approved by the governor, the school board would make the ultimate decision. If approved, the four day week would begin in the fall of 2012. =

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