A proposed cost-saving measure could be one child's dream and a parent's worst nightmare.

Cherokee County School Superintendent Dr. Bill James has suggested a 4-day school week could save the district $1 million.

One scenario would have county students attend school from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. This would result in students spending up to two more hours in class each day.

As expected, Gaffney Middle students in a mock election voted overwhelmingly in favor of the proposal even before it was presented to the school board Special Needs Committee for the first time on Wednesday.

Some parents worry a longer school day could be difficult for students and create child care issues on days when classes are not in session.

"The school day is already long enough. By the time my kids get done with their homework, it's already time for them to have a bath and go to bed," said Misty Cotner, a parent of four Cherokee County students. "I have two kids in high school, one in middle school and another in elementary school. If you added another two hours to school, it would totally disrupt my day."

About 100 districts in 17 states have a 4-day school week. The concept began in New Mexico in the 1970s during the oil embargo crisis in rural school districts to combat spiraling fuel costs.

The pros of a 4-day school week include a potential 10 percent savings on transportation, utility and food costs, better student and teacher attendance and more planning time for teachers, according to James. Research studies in New Mexico and Colorado rural schools showed a 4-day week had minimal positive or negative impact on student achievement.

At this point, James said a 4-day school week is simply an option the Cherokee County School District is studying as one way to save money.

"This is a really interesting idea," James said. "It is very feasible. This is just one of the things we are looking at as part of our goal to be good neighbors and stewards of the community's dollars."

State law does not allow school districts the flexibility in their calendars for a 4-day school week, which amounts to a 144-day school year. South Carolina students must attend school for 180 days a year.

"The General Assembly, in last week's special session, did not modify the 180-day requirement, so a 4-day week isn't possible yet," State Department of Education spokesman Jim Foster said. "But the General Assembly might take up the idea again when the session convenes in January."

A 4-day school week would be a tough sell with Corinth Elementary parent Teddi Lee, regardless of the potential cost savings.

"I'm concerned about the education of kids. I think a 4- day week would be too long a school day for the young 'uns," Lee said. "It would not leave them enough time for extracurricular activities and other things like going to church on Wednesday nights."