The so-called school calendar bill is on its way to the Kentucky House.
The compromise measure won widespread support Tuesday in the state senate.
Somerset Senator Chris Girdler has lobbied hard for a later start date for Kentucky public schools in order to take advantage of tourism dollars in August.
Girdler, who represents major recreational draw Cumberland Lake, originally wanted schools to start no sooner than the Monday closest to August 26. That bill was amended to allow for fewer school days but extended hours of instruction.
“Schools can choose to start any time of their choosing,” Girdler said. “But it allows the districts the opportunity to be innovative, creative, and flexible in determining their community and the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s needs.”
Girdler says the current practice by many communities of starting school in early August means the commonwealth loses out on$430 million in tourism revenue.
Pike County Senator Ray Jones raised questions about pay for school employees who work fewer days.
Jones suggested workers could be paid less if six to seven instructional days are cut from the calendar.
“I’m not sure what implications it would have with regard to those instructional aids, bus drivers, food service workers,” Jones said. “But as you heard Senator Girdler say, he doesn’t think it’s going to have an impact. We’ll have to see how that shakes out.”
The bill also calls for establishing local school calendar committees that include representation from the tourism industry.?
