Public schools in McLouth will join those in several other Kansas districts and end classes several days ahead of schedule.

The district’s school board voted in April to end the year four days earlier than originally scheduled, on May 15 rather than May 21.

Superintendent Steve Lilly characterized the decision as a “cost-cutting” measure, but said the district might have made the same choice even if it were not expecting funding cuts from the state government.

“We’ve had fewer snow days than we’ve had traditionally, so student contact days are remaining on par with what we’ve had in the past,” Lilly said.

Athletics and other activities will continue as scheduled, Lilly said.

State laws require districts to hold 1,116 hours of class per year. By May 15, McLouth will have exceeded that by nearly 60 hours, Lilly said. About 500 students attend McLouth schools.

The trimmed year will save the district about $65,000 in transportation, food and other costs, Lilly said. It will also provide its teachers with added professional development days — another factor in closing early, Lilly said.

According to a March estimate by the Kansas State Department of Education, McLouth would lose $75,000 in operational costs under a newly formed block grant system of funding approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Sam Brownback.

Lilly said McLouth is still exploring how to cover the rest of those cuts. He said the district is not thinking about slashing any positions but would consider not replacing those who leave.

Other districts that have elected to close their schools early this year are Concordia, Twin Valley, Smoky Valley, Haven, Skyline, Shawnee Heights and South Haven.