Oklahoma City joins Tulsa in changing summer vacation

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma City school board has decided to start the school year later to save money on utility bills. <br><br>The district joins the Tulsa district in delaying the start of the

Thursday, January 16th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma City school board has decided to start the school year later to save money on utility bills.

The district joins the Tulsa district in delaying the start of the 2003-2004 school year on September 2nd, the day after Labor Day.

A statewide revenue shortfall has resulted in cuts in funding to schools statewide.

Oklahoma City school officials say the later start will save at least $150,000 on the cost of electricity to run air conditioners.

Tulsa school officials say they saved nearly $500,000 in utility bills by delaying the start of classes.

Oklahoma School Boards Association deputy director June Ehinger says she expects other districts to consider a later start for classes.