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DAVIS COUNTY -- One of Utah's school districts that opted to furlough teachers and employees this year to save money has reinstated them and another is weighing whether to bring those days back with new federal money.
The Davis Board of Education this week voted to bring back school on February 7 and 8, though they urge forgiveness for those students and teachers who made plans for those days.
"They've asked that teachers not plan tests or other coursework that cannot be made up easily," said Shauna Lund, Davis Community Relations Specialist.
Davis will receive $5.8 million from the Education Jobs Bill. Cutting those two days meant $2.97 million in savings. Lund says it is exciting to get those days back.
"Every day is important especially when you are talking about grade schools," said Lund.
Canyons District board member Kim Horiuchi says the board is still debating what to do with their $2.9 million from the bill. Their furlough days saved the district $3.5 million.
"Our main goal is targeting the money at improving student achievement," said Horiuchi.
That could mean reinstating the furlough days on February 14 and March 18, a stipend for teachers, professional development days, or helping with next year's budget and class sizes.
Davis is using part of its money to hire aides or assistants for overcrowded classes.
Story compiled with contributions from Molly Farmer and Mary Richards.
