HAZLETON -- Budget shortfalls could cause some major changes in one Luzerne County school district.
The Hazleton Area School District is struggling with a budget shortfall for next year and a solution to balance it may mean a significant change to the school schedule.
As the district prepares to say good bye to its seniors at graduation, it's also preparing to potentially say good bye to its current school schedule.
One of the cost-saving measures being considered is cutting classes from five days a week to four.
Avoiding mass job cuts is part of the reason the district is considering three less traditional cost saving measures, including half-day kindergarten, a pay-to-play sports policy, and changing the school schedule for 11,000 district students.
The students would only be in school four days of the week, from Tuesday to Friday.
"We'd gain another, over a day, of energy savings, not having to put the heat on, the lights on in those buildings. It would also save us in transportation costs," said district business manager Anthony Ryba.
The district estimates emptying the halls for just one more day throughout the school year, for just a few months would save hundreds of thousands of dollars. If they took a more aggressive approach and did it for the entire school year it could save millions.
There are mixed reviews on the possible schedule change.
"There is a lot into that you have to think, parents work, both parents work some of them," said Peter Panco.
Some worry what to do with their kids an extra day of the week. Others feel as long as the quality of education isn't compromised, it's up to the parent's to figure out the rest.
"The school is not to provide child care in school, it's to educate your child. That's the way I feel," said parent Davis Sabol.
District officials tell us a decision on these changes will have to be made by the end of this month.
Public meetings are being held on June 13 and June 15 for anyone who wants to weigh in with their thoughts.
