STATEHOUSE (Jan. 27, 2009) - A key Senate committee vote could extend Hoosier students' summer vacations by requiring Indiana schools to start after Labor Day, according to State Sen. Marlin Stutzman (R-Howe).

Stutzman, co-author of the legislation, said members of the Senate Committee on Education voted 8-1 in support of the measure during a hearing at the Statehouse.

"Mid-August start dates are robbing Hoosier families of valuable time - time that could be spent learning and making lifelong memories together at the Indiana State Fair, visiting our nation's capital or spending long weeks with extended family," Stutzman said.  

Senate Bill 150 would prohibit any public or accredited non-public school from beginning student instructional days before Labor Day starting with the 2012 school year. The legislation would maintain Indiana's 180-day requirement of instructional days and provide local school districts with flexibility in deciding a school end date in June.

Proponents believe by making this slight adjustment, Indiana school districts could save money through utility costs, provide families with more opportunities for learning, allow teachers to have more time for  professional development and may help grow Indiana's tourism industry," Stutzman said.

"Many families in Senate District 13 have shared their concerns about the early school start date and its restrictions on vacation times," Stutzman said. "This legislation will provide these families along with teachers and businesses in our state much needed stability in planning their summers."

According to the National Conference of State Legislators, 13 states now have laws regulating school start dates, including several that require districts to start after Labor Day.

SB 150 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

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