AUGUSTA — A Maine legislative committee is considering a proposal that’s often discussed but has failed to gain traction in the past: Giving school districts the option of adopting a four-day week.

Proponents have touted a four-day week as a way to save energy costs. Nationwide, more than 100 school districts already have made the move to shorter weeks.

Today, the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee took up the latest proposal sponsored by Democratic Sen. Nancy Sullivan of York.

Supporters say the plan would save money on transportation, heating and even substitute teachers. The proposal would allow a four-day week as long as the amount of student instruction is equivalent to that provided by a traditional school calendar.


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