The Summersville board of education has voted to reduce the school calendar and lengthen each day to save money in a continued tightening budget environment.
The school calendar will move from 174 days to 159. Each day will expand 25 minutes. It is hoped that the move will reduce operational and transportation expenses and improve student attendance.
The state passed legislation in 2009 that allowed school districts to shorten their calendar to aid budgets. Students must attend 1,044 hours. If test scores decline in two areas for two years then the district must revert to the 174-day calendar.
The first day of school is Aug. 24. Classes will run from 8 a.m. until 3:10 p.m.