Associated Press / August 31, 2008
PORTLAND, Maine - More than 100 school districts in 16 states have decided to go with four-day school weeks. At least one state has told its employees to work four days a week. Now, the energy-saving idea is getting serious consideration in Maine.
Saco officials are scheduled to vote Tuesday on whether to switch to a four-day workweek for City Hall employees. Saco would join the Bangor Public Works Department, which has adopted a four-day workweek.
Several other are considering a similar move, said Lucette Pellerin, the Saco city clerk. With high gasoline and heating oil costs, the four-day week would save money.
A voluntary four-day work schedule for state employees is part of Governor John Baldacci's $12.6 million energy action plan. Some state employees are taking part; the number of participants is not available, said Chip Gavin, director of the state Bureau of General Services.
The state Education Department is considering submitting a bill for the 2009 legislative session to allow school districts to have four-day weeks.
Under current present state law, students must be in school at least 175 days per year. By changing the minimum requirement so it's expressed in hours, districts would have the four-day option. State Senator Nancy Sullivan said she would like to introduce a bill to that effect, as it would cut transportation costs.
Four-day work plans, if implemented by municipalities, can save employees money by requiring them to commute less, while municipalities cut utility bills in public buildings.
Utah became the first state this summer to institute a mandatory four-day workweek for most state employees.