(Des Moines)– Governor Terry Branstad says the rules governing school start dates in Iowa are “too lax”.
Branstad told reporters Monday that the existing policy hurts summer tourism in the state and that he expects to see some changes made by the Department of Education.
Under current Iowa law, schools are supposed to start the week that includes September 1st. But nearly all districts apply for and get waivers to start earlier in August.
A group led by Iowa State Fair Manager Gary Slater has filed a petition with the State Department of Education seeking tougher enforcement of the law. The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has also been a long time proponent of requiring schools to start after Labor Day.
Department of Education Director Jason Glass says the department is reviewing the petition with the Governor’s Office, but no final decision has been made.
(From the Associated Press.)
