The state government ought to consider the process used by the Littlefork-Big Falls school district, to explore a unique approach to curbing spending.

District officials reacted properly this week in setting aside the idea of implementing a four-day school week next year. For now.

L-BF district officials anticipated financial struggles, did their homework and proposed what they believed could be a solution. Residents clearly told the school board and administration that they did not believe that the positive cost savings would outweigh the negative impacts to the district’s students.

District officials asked for input, got it, and reconsidered the idea.

Right or wrong for the district, it’s that kind of unique approach and community involvement in the process of setting budgets that we believe other governments — including the state — ought to consider.

However, as Minnesota officials eye the finances of local governments in an effort to solve the state’s huge budget deficit, the four-day school week idea — and others that may now seem undoable — could resurface in years to come.

We expect the same approach to be taken by the state in solving its budget problems: Propose a unique solution, ask for input, and take action.

International Falls Councilor Tim “Chopper” McBride has already suggested a unique idea for the state — take some of the employees of state agencies out of St. Paul and spread them across the state, where much of their work is done. That would save travel time and a variety of other expenses. We’ve heard the idea before, but kudos to McBride for bringing up the idea again.

Business as usual by any government just won’t cut it in today’s economy. It’s time to look for unique approaches to funding government services.