The 2006 law was adopted to help the state’s tourism industry. It says schools have to get a waiver from the state to start classes before the final summer holiday. And most districts now do that. Democratic Representative Matt Koleszar chairs the House Education Committee and is the bill sponsor. He says schools shouldn’t need special permission to determine their calendars.
“This is local control for local school districts to do what is in the best interests of their students and their communities.”
Koleszar says the later school start can also make it harder to schedule make-up days. The bill was adopted on a bipartisan vote and now goes to the House floor.