The debate over a four-day workweek continues to pop up now and then, but the latest argument for a scheduling change actually has some clout — whether it works or not is still in question.

Previous reports that I had seen listed fuel charges as the primary reason for the switch and promoted the four-day week as both an employee perk and reduced financial burden (due to lack of driving for one additional day a week). Although the latest reports again list fuel as the driving force, the beneficiary has shifted to the employer and new facility types have embraced the potential change. What was previously an option considered only by industrial and commercial facilities, is now also being considered in schools.

Due to the rising cost of fuel, it is estimated that it could cost nearly twice as much to fuel the yellow busses that rumble to school each morning. And the bills for air conditioning, heading, custodial supplies, books and maintenance materials are mounting as well. Because of the escalating charges, schools have been challenged to keep costs under control, exploring programs such as the four-day week.

In rural Minnesota, one district is taking action by eliminating Monday classes and lengthening classes by 10 minutes the other days of the week. Doing so will minimize transportation issues, reduce energy costs and frequency of cleaning for a full day (estimated to be at least $65,000). The only other option was to cut school electives, an option both parents and students were not satisfied with.

As of press time, at least 14 other districts nationwide have switched to four-day weeks, and dozens more are considering it, according a recent survey from the American Association of School Administrators. It is also estimated that roughly 100 districts made the switch years ago, following the 1970’s oil crisis.

I am anxious to learn how this new schedule affects the cleaning and maintenance within these facilities. After all, longer school days reduce the amount of time cleaners have to work after classes. But, the extra day without students could provide ample time for heavy cleaning programs. Time will tell.




POSTED ON: 9/1/2008