School calendar is local decision

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Iowa law states that the school year begins Sept. 1. But state education officials have routinely waived that requirement, and most districts begin weeks earlier.

While the issue has been on the Legislature's radar many times, it's getting more attention after Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday he would intervene if something isn't done to tighten the law. On Tuesday, the House approved a bill requiring schools to delay the start of the year until the fourth Monday in August. Its fate in the Senate is uncertain.

State senators should squash this bill. While we appreciate the intent to accommodate Iowa's tourism industry and family vacation plans, dictating a starting time to local districts is not the state's business. And any hard date is likely to become obsolete as education reforms take root.

The governor argues that allowing schools to start classes weeks before Sept. 1 hurts Iowa's economy and job market because families can't take vacations in August, a major month for Iowa tourism as well as the popular Iowa State Fair. Valid concerns.

However, we think the starting date should be left up to local districts. They know best what works best for their students' academic and extracurricular needs.

Urban and rural districts' needs often can be different. Some districts use year-round calendars. Local school officials should determine when to accommodate individual students with special requests, such as 4-H kids showing projects at the State Fair - an educational experience as well.

Legislators should focus on the major education reforms they're weighing - not micromanage local school calendars. Districts will need more flexibility, not less, to make education more relevant and effective for all students in the 21st century.

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