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House approves
school flexibility measure
Rep. Bruce
Chandler, R-Granger, said flexibility and local control
were at the heart of
House Bill 1292, which passed the House of Representatives 87-10.
The bill would create a
pilot program allowing certain schools to waive the 180 school day
requirement. Up to five districts serving less than 500 students are
eligible to participate in the pilot program.
“This is about offering
local control to districts so they can decide what is best. It provides
them with ability to be more efficient,” Chandler said. "Too often the
state sends mandates down to the school districts. This allows them to
decide what would work better for their communities."
School districts seeking
the 180-day waiver must submit a calendar as well as public comment
taken from the affected communities.
“This process engages the
community, parents and school employees to allow the districts to test
out a plan that can save money and improve student learning,” Chandler
said.
School days would be
lengthened 30 to 45 minutes to accommodate for the fifth day in which
students would normally attend. The 1,000 hour requirement for classroom
instruction must still be met.
Chandler noted that many school districts currently have several
four-day school weeks in a year due to teacher in-service days, holidays
and severe weather.
"Schools don't have to schedule four-day school weeks every week under
this proposal," Chandler said. "They would adjust their weekly schedules
according to their schools' best interests."
Local superintendents Palmer and Huffman testified
this bill would enhance a district's ability to be efficient in its
operations. They predicted a 20 percent in overall cost savings.
Seventeen states in the country currently allow four-day school weeks.
"This plan certainly is
not for everyone," Chandler said. "But some smaller school districts can
greatly benefit from this idea by saving time, fuel costs, and
potentially increased attendance."
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For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
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