Iowa schools could start before Iowa State Fair has ended under new bill
DES MOINES, Iowa — A bill that would allow Iowa schools to start before the Iowa State Fair has ended was advanced through committee on Tuesday.
The Iowa Senate Education Committee advanced SF 205, which allows both public and private schools in the state to start earlier. The bill states school calendars can begin as early as the second to last Monday of August and no later than the first Monday of December. That means there would be years where school starts before the Iowa State Fair has ended.
In 2015 then Governor Terry Branstad signed a bill into law that prohibited schools from starting before the state fair had ended, no sooner than August 23.
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Iowa State Education Association President Joshua Brown said the association is for the bill as it allows school districts to decide the best start date for them.
'As proponents of local control, the Iowa State Education Association believes Iowa school districts should have the flexibility to align with their local community's needs. Our local school districts can thoughtfully evaluate these factors and choose a start date that best supports their students' success and the community's overall needs,' Brown said.
Multiple other school associations, as well as the Professional Educators of Iowa are for the bill. Adventureland, the Iowa Travel Industry Partners, and Okoboji Tourism are all against the bill, while the Iowa State Fair remains undecided.
The bill was unanimously passed through the Education Committee. It's now eligible for debate on the Senate floor.
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Iowa schools could start before Iowa State Fair has ended under new bill
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