The decision by Milan Area Schools to shorten its school year by two days could result in savings for the district if future school years are also shortened, Superintendent Bryan Girbach said today.

The Milan school district recently announced it has adjusted the end of the school year from its scheduled final day of June 11 to June 9, creating the possibility for shorter school years in the near future.

"It’s not necessarily about the money we’ll save this year,” Girbach said. “It’s opening the door for what we can save in years to come. There will be some savings this year in fuel for the buses and no necessity to cook lunch, but the savings will come from the days we’ll have in future years.”

Milan Superintendent Bryan Girbach

The majority of the potential savings would come from salaries as teachers work fewer school days and reduced costs of heating and cooling and other utilities.

Negotiations have begun with the teachers union over future school calendars.

“They’re going very well right now,” Girbach said. “We have a very good relationship with administration and union organizations. We hope to continue that.”

In a letter to parents posted on the Milan Area Schools’ website, Girbach wrote, “It is the responsibility of the district to make sure that we are fiscally responsible in our endeavors.”

The Milan district was scheduled for 181 days this year before cutting back to 179 days. State law requires a minimum of 165 school days from districts this year and the next two school years. That number increases to 170 school days for the 2012-13 school year.

Girbach noted in his letter to parents that, “Milan is currently in the top 1 percent of the state school districts when comparing student school days.”

In his talks with parents, Girbach said many have been understanding of the district’s decision.