STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2010) - Lawmakers today voted to approve legislation co-authored by State Sen. Marlin Stutzman (R-Howe) requiring Indiana schools to start after Labor Day. 

"I heard from many families frustrated by school start dates that kept pushing earlier and earlier into August, interrupting prime vacation time," Stutzman said. "Hopefully, this legislation will enable families to plan more summer activities together including visiting the state fair."

Senate Bill 150 would move the annual school start date to after Labor Day beginning 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.
 
Stutzman said the bill currently applies to accredited non-public schools in addition to public schools. As amended this week, school districts that sync their calendars with local universities or colleges would be exempt.
 
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 13 states now have laws regulating school start dates, including several that require districts to start after Labor Day.

"In Senate District 13 our lakes are most popular during the heat of the summer," Stutzman said. "I believe this legislation will help our tourism industry grow and allow our local families to enjoy area-attractions."

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