State Rep. Jared Patterson is proposing legislation that would delay the start of Texas schools until September, with the school year ending in late May or early June. Patterson says the Save Our Summer Act would help students avoid extreme summer heat and reduce the need to cool school buildings during the hottest part of the year.
Why Does Patterson Want Texas Schools to Start in September?
According to WFAA, he also says the bill would help protect students and those participating in outdoor activities from extreme temperatures. But it's not as simple as just changing some dates on a calendar.
Watt Black, a clinical professor of education policy at SMU, said Texas has been debating the school calendar for decades.
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How Would the Save Our Summer Act Change the School Calendar?
Black says starting later could have "ripple effects," especially if there is no change to the end of the year schedule. Black says that would force schools to have longer days each week. Also, if there is no change to the back-end of the calendar, it would mean a longer-than-usual summer break.
A longer summer break could also raise concerns about learning loss and food insecurity.
What Critics Say About the Proposal
Patterson's Democratic opponent, Joe Mayes, said he is open to the conversation but doesn't consider it a top priority. Mayes said data centers are a bigger concern and argued that public education needs attention on a different front.
Patterson filed a similar bill two years ago, but it did not make it out of the Public Education Committee.
Schools in many other states don't start until after the Labor Day holiday. Patterson says Texas doesn't have to follow other states, but it should take common-sense measures when appropriate.
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