For Immediate Release Contact: Senator Putney
Monday, Feb. 6, 2006 (515) 281-3371
Putney Files School Start Date
Legislation
DES MOINES – In an effort to help
Iowa’s tourism and recreation industries, State
Sen. John Putney (R-Gladbrook) today filed legislation requiring Iowa schools to begin
their school years no earlier than Sept. 1.
Current law specifies that Iowa schools may not
begin their academic year prior to Sept. 1; however, schools can apply for a
waiver to begin earlier if a negative educational impact can be proven. The legislation Putney filed today, Senate
File 2150, would eliminate the waiver opportunity.
“The waiver process is being
blatantly abused,” said Putney, who pointed out that 358 out of 370 Iowa schools were
granted waivers last year without question.
“This bill would close the waiver loophole and require all Iowa schools to abide by
the law.”
“When schools start earlier
and earlier each year, it comes at the expense of tourism and recreation in Iowa,” added
Putney. “The result is an adverse effect
on Iowa’s
economy.”
Putney said the trend to
begin the school year earlier runs counter to legislators’ efforts to spur
economic growth in Iowa. Recently, lawmakers approved $50 million for
10 years for the Iowa Values Fund, an economic development initiative concerned
with Iowa’s qualify of life, family values and economic growth.
“The Legislature is taking
steps to boost Iowa’s economy, yet we are allowing schools to continue moving
up their start dates and deprive families of opportunities for tourism,
recreation and the completion of summer jobs – all major components of Iowa’s
economy and quality of life,” said Putney.
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