Because the global demand for scarce energy supplies will continue for a long period, the cost of energy to local school systems will be very high.

There is a simple way for school systems to reduce their need for expensive energy. They just have to reorganize their school calendar so that children will be in school primarily during the warmer months.

Instead of a long summer vacation, there should be a long winter vacation during December, January and the first two weeks in February. This change would result in a huge savings in heating and snow-removal costs.

Reorganizing the school year can easily be accomplished and would save local taxpayers millions of dollars while reducing each school system’s need for scarce state tax dollars. To balance the state’s budget, everyone has to do his or her part.

KENNETH BERWICK

Smithfield