In an effort to reduce utility expenses over the summer, Simi Valley Unified School District has shut down their offices on Fridays

With the exception of Simi Valley Adult School and designated summer school sites and high school campuses, all offices will be closed on all Fridays in July.

Lowell Schultze, associate superintendent of business and facilities at SVUSD, said they'll save about $5,500 for the four days. The district closed down on Fridays in July last year as well.

District offices will be open for business Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during July. The offices will reopen on Fridays beginning Aug. 7.

Employees won't be losing hours unless they choose to, Schultze said. They will work four days a week, 10 hours a day, or they can choose to work regular business hours and take the other two hours as vacation time.

The Student Transportation Department will be closed on the following Fridays: July 31, Aug. 7, 14 and 21. The department will return to its regular schedule beginning Mon., Aug. 24.

Contact the district at (805) 306-4500 for details.

—Joann Groff