School System Considers Summertime Four-Day Workweek

Year-long employees of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools could be shifting to a four-day workweek over the summer.

Last week, School Superintendent Beverly Emory proposed a plan that would close the schools on Fridays over the seven-week summer break. School system spokesman Theo Helm said that turning down the power one day a week could save almost $170,000 a year.

“The major part of the savings come from the fact that we don't have to cool the buildings as much when we're not in them,” Helm said. “We have 80 schools, we have a warehouse, we have central offices. That really can save a lot of money during the hot months of the summer.”

Under the plan, employees such as principals and administrative staff would work four ten-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. If the plan is approved, it would mean fewer cuts to teacher assistant positions, Helm said.

“Many, many teacher assistant positions have been cut in this state budget,” he said. “So, by saving $170,000 dollars, that can save four, five, maybe six teacher assistant positions.”

Helm said the proposal is likely to go before the school board at its Feb. 25 meeting.