A big cost-saver for the district would be cutting transportation — savings that would be amplified by adopting a four-day week. But the district is looking at making schools more pedestrian-friendly — for example, by creating “walk zones” — before simply cutting bus transportation.

If the district were to cut transportation for students living in a 3.5-mile radius, that would affect about 10,400 students, Francis Howell Superintendent Mary Hendricks-Harris said.

The district is trying to shy away from cutting staff. Hendricks-Harris says the schools are getting “down to the bone” in staffing. The district has cut 190 positions since 2008, including 90 in the past two years. All staff, including administrators, have a salary freeze this year.

“There is a level of exhaustion and frustration and our staff is beyond maxed out,” Hendricks-Harris said.

The School Board is expected to vote on the district’s staffing plan next month, and on next year’s budget in June.

The next Francis Howell board meeting is on Thursday, though the board will not vote on any budget planning matters for the next year.

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