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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Districts that don't meet certain criteria won't be allowed to try a four-day school week because it doesn't work in every case, state education officials said.
In January, the Board of Education tightened its rule on four-day programs, saying districts and charter schools must have extenuating circumstances to be considered.
One of the most important things for students is to maintain instructional hours, said board member Janet Cannon.
"I'm rather a hard-liner," Cannon said.
At least one school in three rural Utah school districts -- Duchesne, Garfield and Rich -- are on a four-day week. The schools still have to meet the state-required 990 hours of instruction time and use longer days to comply.
At the participating schools in those districts, the goal of the shortened week is to cut down on student absences and resolve some challenges posed for those who have to travel long distances to school.
In more urban areas, state Deputy Superintendent Martell Menlove said one concern is where students would go on Fridays, especially when both parents work outside the home.
"What students would be doing when they are not in school is a great concern," Menlove said.
Menlove also said a three-day weekend can give younger students more time to forget what they learned during the week.
"There are other considerations beyond finances," Menlove said.
