A four-day school week could save a few bucks, but it's not right for everyone — and districts that don't fit the bill will still be denied permission to try it, say state education officials.

Three rural school districts in Utah are on a four-day week for either one, two or all of their schools. The main goal is to cut down on student absences, especially for athletics and other activities that are usually scheduled on Fridays. The program also helps resolve some long-distance transportation challenges.

The schools must still meet the state-required 990 hours of instruction time and use longer days to comply.

The State Board of Education unanimously gave the green light Friday for Garfield School District to continue another year of a four-day week for its isolated K-6 Boulder School, with 11 kids. The district launched its program this fall.

Duchesne School District in eastern Utah is also in its first year of the four-day week for two of its schools: Tabiona Elementary School with 96 students and Tabiona High School with 70 teens.

Rich School District in rural northeast Utah began its four-day program in 2006. The district typically saves $1,500 per week in gas and utilities, but district officials say the decline in student absences is the main benefit.

In January, the Board of Education tightened its rule on four-day programs, stating districts and charter schools must have extenuating circumstances to be considered.

Board member Janet Cannon, a member of the board's Law and Policy Committee that created the policy, said Monday she doubts the board will go back on it, despite the current economic climate.

"I'm rather a hard-liner," Cannon said. "And one of the most important things we can do is maintain instructional hours."

However, committee member Denis Morrill pointed out, "Anything we do is potentially subject to change."

Last spring, the board granted districts permission to slice up to five instructional days from the school year to save money. While some districts took the offer, officials in many school districts, including Granite, Salt Lake, Canyons and Jordan, said Monday they don't have plans at this time to attempt a four-day week to save money.

With urban districts, state Deputy Superintendent Martell Menlove said there are challenges of where the children would go on Fridays, particularly if both parents work outside the home.

"What students would be doing when they are not in school is a great concern," Menlove said, adding there are issues with child-care, particularly in single-parent families.