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School
flexibility measure approved by Senate
The legislation that would
allow some small school districts to waive the requirement for a 180-day
school calendar passed the Senate today 34-13.
Rep. Bruce
Chandler, who sponsored the bill with his former seatmate,
Rep. Dan Newhouse, was pleased to see passage of the policy.
House Bill 1292 as amended would provide waivers to school districts
with under 500 students from the requirement for a 180-day school year.
"This will allow five school districts, including the Bickleton and Lyle
Schools in Klickitat County, to adapt their schedule around their
community's needs," Chandler said. "The state has placed enough mandates
on our schools. This allows them some flexibility so they can achieve
academic success in a more efficient way for them."
Chandler said he appreciates the time and efforts of Martin Huffman and
Ric Palmer, superintendents of the Lyle and Bickleton districts
respectively, to bring this issue before the Legislature and explain its
importance. Chandler noted the superintendents have and will continue to
address some of the concerns raised regarding staff, child care and
instruction time.
"While some have been focused on the cost savings that could be
achieved, the real issue at hand is more focused classroom time,"
Chandler said. "By allowing school calendar flexibility, students and
teachers can be focused on learning during the 1,000 hours they are in
school, and set aside other time for sports and other extracurricular
activities."
The legislation will now return to the House for consideration of an
amendment adopted by the Senate.
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For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
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