Finds that school districts are seeking innovations to reduce operating costs and preserve limited resources for the primary purpose of student learning. Efficiencies in transportation, heat, lights, maintenance, and food expenses are possible from operating for four rather than five days per week, but current law poses a barrier to this innovation by requiring a set number of instructional days in each school year.

Declares an intent to permit school districts to seek waivers from the school year requirement in order to operate on a four-day school week, provided that adequate safeguards are put in place to prevent any negative impact on student learning.

Allows the state board of education to grant waivers from the requirement for a one hundred eighty-day school year under RCW 28A.150.220 and 28A.150.250 to school districts that propose to operate one or more schools on a four-day school week for purposes of economy and efficiency as provided in the act.

Expires section 2 of the act on August 31, 2015.