Lawmaker Proposes Cutting School Calendar by 5 Days

A West Virginia lawmaker is proposing legislation that would trim five days from the school calendar.

The Register-Herald reports that Delegate Dave Perry’s bill would reduce instructional days from 180 to 175, although teachers would still work 200 days.

The legislation would prohibit classes from starting before Labor Day and require the school year to end June 5. Perry, a Democrat from Fayette County, said that would eliminate interference with summer jobs, vacations and festivals.

Three bad-weather days would be built into the schedule.

Because of snowstorms and flooding last year, some counties kept schools open until June 24 while others gave up spring break. This year, some school systems began classes in early August and others gave up Thanksgiving break to ensure the 180 instructional days are met.