HCS HB 109 & 34 -- SCHOOL TERM CALENDAR

SPONSOR:  Cunningham, 86 (Fares)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Education by a vote of 24 to 0.

This substitute repeals the prohibition against starting school
earlier than September 1.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that very few districts actually
start school September 1 or later.  More than 500 districts use
the agricultural exemption, even when agriculture is not a
feature of the school district economy.  To have a law that is
broadly ignored or gotten around with exceptions is bad public
policy.  Setting the school start date should be a local
decision.  The economic argument for a statewide uniform date
isn't viable anymore.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Fares and Fraser;
Dale Joerling, member of Webster Groves Board of Education;
Sharon Hoffman, Webster Groves school district teacher; Missouri
Council of School Administrators; Missouri School Boards
Association; Missouri State Teachers Association; Missouri
National Education Association; and Cooperating School District
of Greater St. Louis.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it affects
businesses that rely on tourism.

Testifying against the bill were Missouri Attractions
Association; and Missouri Travel Council.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:10 am