DES MOINES (AP) — An increasing number of Iowa school officials want to shorten the school week to four days to reduce costs.

The idea, which has caught on in other states, seems to have its biggest supporters in small districts, where enrollment has shrunk and budgets have been beaten by increasing fuel costs.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, school districts in 17 states operate on a four-day week.

In most states where districts run on a four-day week, the length of the school day has increased from about 6½ hours to eight hours.

While no formal study has been done in the U.S. on the effects of a shorter school week, officials in Arizona and Colorado say the shorter week has resulted in fewer absences by students and teachers. They also say it’s a good tool to recruit teachers.