State panel to again consider school start dates

An interim legislative committee plans to take up the issue of school start dates again on Monday.

The Interim
Study Committee on Education took testimony on the issue last month. It’s not certain the panel will make a recommendation
on school start dates. But committee Chairman Republican Sen. Dennis Kruse of Auburn has asked members to consider two proposals.

One would prohibit schools from starting earlier than the fourth Monday in August, and the other would require school
to start after Labor Day.

Many parents want a starting date in late August or early September, saying it would
save schools in cooling costs and give families more prime vacation time. Some education lobbyists say start dates should
be a local decision.