Perham School District considering four-day week

School buses
Supporters of four-day school weeks say the shorter weeks save money on energy and transportation costs.
MPR Photo/Tim Nelson

Another Minnesota school district is weighing the pros and cons of a four-day school week.

Perham School Superintendent, Tamara Uselman says the measure would save money on heating and cooling, lights, busing, and food service costs. But, she says she's still against the plan.

"Your extracurricular activities kids would be shooting their last hoop at about 10:30 at night. They have an hour trip back home, maybe two hours back home. They'd be expected to get back in school and be academically prepared by 7:30 in the morning and although energy's a huge concern, I wouldn't go there yet," Uselman said.

Uselman says there would also be a significant loss of academic time, and added day care costs for working parents. Back in May, the MCCRAY School District in west-central Minnesota approved moving to a four-day school week this fall.

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