Wyoming introduces summer vacation preservation act for teachers and students

The Wyoming House Education Committee has introduced the Summer Vacation Preservation Act, aimed at extending summer breaks for students and teachers. This proposed legislation seeks to adjust the school calendar, allowing schools to start after Labor Day and end before Memorial Day, while reducing the mandatory school days from 175 to 165.

The initiative stems from discussions about the importance of time off for families and educators. Committee members noted that many parents question the necessity of returning to school for just a few days after Memorial Day, especially when summer weather is still enjoyable. The bill aims to address these concerns by providing a more structured summer break.

Key provisions of the bill include allowing school districts to request alternative schedules while maintaining a minimum of 165 school days. This change is designed to fit within the academic year without disrupting important breaks like Christmas and spring vacations. The committee emphasized that while the minimum number of school days is being reduced, districts can still choose to operate for more days if they wish.

Additionally, the legislation proposes to cut the required teacher in-service days from ten to five, allowing for more flexibility in scheduling. The bill also ensures that teacher salaries will not be negatively impacted by the reduction in school days, affirming the value of educators in the state's education system.

The Summer Vacation Preservation Act is set to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, providing districts ample time to adjust their calendars. The committee highlighted potential benefits for Wyoming's tourism industry, which often struggles to hire students and teachers during peak seasons due to the current school schedule. By aligning the academic calendar with the tourism season, the bill aims to support local businesses while enhancing the educational experience for students and teachers alike.