Ind. Senate OKs bill to push back school start

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would require public schools to start the school year after Labor Day.

It's an attempt to follow the lead of 11 other states.

The bill would not only keep kids out of the classroom till after Labor Day, it would also create a uniform starting date for all public schools.

The vote in the Indiana Senate was 31 to 19. One Senator, Marlin Stutzman (R-Howe) portrayed it as family friendly legislation.

"That families get the opportunity to go enjoy the state fair. They can enjoy the lakes that we have," he argued.

The education establishment fought the bill unsuccessfully. Teachers and administrators want the freedom to set their own calendar.

"And I'm not against the school start date," said Sen. Earline Rogers (D-Gary). "What I'm for is local communities making the decision."

The bill calls for classes to end by June 10, a date that one Senator argued would interfere with University schedules.

"We're going to make it impossible for a lot of teachers to get in both summer terms for an advanced degree," said Sen. Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield).

But it was the arguments in favor of summer employment and August tourism that carried the day.

"This is good for business," said Sen. Scott Schneider (R-Indianapolis). "It's good for students and it's good for teachers."

It may also help that the governor supports a post Labor Day start to the school calendar.

The school calendar bill now goes to the Indiana House and an uncertain future.

The chairman of the House Education Committee, Greg Porter of Indianapolis, says he is open to a debate on the bill but not yet convinced that it's a good idea.