Senate backs bill aiming to make five-day school week the norm, with one recorded no vote
Loading...
Summary
Senators passed SB82 on final reading to value a five-day public-school week and limit four-day schedules, citing child-poverty and economic-development concerns; the floor vote was 35 yeas and 1 nay. The bill includes exceptions for already high-performing or existing four-day districts.
Senate Bill 82, a measure to promote a five-day public-school week, cleared final passage after debate in which the sponsor urged members to consider child welfare and local economic impacts.
The sponsor argued the change was needed because the number of districts on four-day weeks had grown to 17 and said the move had consequences for students who "go home on Friday with nothing to eat," stressing the welfare of children in high-poverty districts. The sponsor also said businesses evaluating locations consider the local school schedule when recruiting workers.
The bill includes exceptions: districts already performing at a specified level or those already using a five-day calendar may continue under the bill's terms. That carve-out was described on the floor as preserving local flexibility where performance or existing practice warranted it.
On final passage the roll call showed 35 yeas and 1 nay. The sponsor moved and the chamber recorded the vote; a subsequent motion to reconvene or re-vote was filed but recorded action shows final passage for the measure.
Next steps: SB82 proceeds according to the legislative process to the House or next procedural stage.
