Massachusetts Supt. To Study 4-Day School Week

The school committee in a western Massachusetts district has given its superintendent the green light to research a switch to a four-day school week.

Mohawk Trail Regional Superintendent Michael Buoniconti told the school committee at Wednesday's meeting that he will report back to them with his findings.

He tells The Recorder a four-day week in other school systems across the country has led to substantial savings in transportation and utility costs. There have even been reports of better student and staff morale, less absenteeism and better student performance.

Concerns include a longer school day, the impact on working parents and a possible loss of pay for bus drivers, cafeteria workers and others.

Mohawk serves children from the towns of Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Hawley, Heath, Plainfield, Rowe and Shelburne.

[Associated Press]