ADAMS TOWNSHIP -- They’ve lost thousands of dollars in state funding already because of budget cuts and fear that if the fiscal crisis continues or somehow gets worse, they won't be able to survive another school year.

Now Adams Township is taking a drastic step to save money.

On Tuesday night, the school board decided to adopt a four-day week to cut down on high heating costs during the winter.

Students at South Range Elementary School in Adams Township were squirming in their seats Friday, excited about the upcoming Christmas vacation.  But for some, the best present may be yet to come–the shorter school week which will start when classes resume in January.

Superintendent Pat Rozich is less certain about the district's decision, but says something had to be done to cut costs.

"Everybody’s watching this,” said Rozich.  “It was the most difficult decision I’ve had to make in 20 years as a superintendent."

The schools will be closed for about 10 Fridays during the three coldest months from January to March, a move expected to save the district about $2000 a day.

Teachers have already spent extra time planning how they'll make up the missed hours.

"We’ve added an eighth period and I think the students are going to benefit from this because it'll be more of an add-on to our curriculum rather than lost time," said Jeffers High School Science teacher, Mike Benda.

Rozich said he's talked to other districts with a four-day week and heard only positive feedback such as improved attendance.

"I want to see what teachers say after the first month,” Rozich said.  “I want to see if absenteeism does reduce itself and I’m really interested to get comments from the parents."

Before the final decision was made, parents were surveyed this fall with more than 70 percent willing to give the four-day week a try.  Rozich said they've already addressed a main concern among elementary school parents by arranging for affordable child care on the days off.

The district plans to closely monitor any effects the change may have on the students' academic progress.