A measure to restrict school start dates to no earlier than the fourth Monday in August was passed by the House. The later start date could result in some schools eliminating spring break.
Because some schools offer college courses for their high school students, they start earlier to accommodate the college course schedules. Starting later would hinder that option so many districts say they would possibly cut Spring Break instead.
Iowa's tourism industry backs the bill because it would let more families spend time at the Iowa State Fair. Local superintendents say lawmakers are focused on the wrong thing.
“I think it is ironic that this legislation is trying to be passed again during the same time that they are trying to pass dramatic educational reform," Bettendorf Superintendent Theron Schutte says.
Bettendorf schools usually start around August 15th allowing them to finish the first semester right before winter break.