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Budget Battle Forces Oklahoma Schools To Try 4-Day Weeks

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In this Thursday, March 30, 2017 photo, Hudson Hites listens during a seventh grade English class at Newcastle Middle School in Newcastle, Okla. Newcastle Public Schools have moved to a four day school week in response to Oklahoma's Budget Woes. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)
In this Thursday, March 30, 2017 photo, Hudson Hites listens during a seventh grade English class at Newcastle Middle School in Newcastle, Okla. Newcastle Public Schools have moved to a four day school week in response to Oklahoma's Budget Woes. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)

A worsening state budget crisis has forced school districts in Oklahoma to get creative.

Nearly 100 districts across the state have gone to four-day weeks to save money, but a study released by the state in April said cost savings were "minimal" for many districts, and the move actually increased costs in some places.

But some school superintendents say permanent three-day weekends help boost morale, and save money on transportation, utilities and substitute teachers. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd talks with school superintendent Randy Harris about how the experiment has impacted his district.

This segment aired on June 2, 2017.

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