Click to return to the News Release Page

For Immediate Release
March 27, 2001

For More Information: 
Tina Bruno @ 210-479-3106

Later Start Date Bill Passes Senate
Bill now headed for the House of Representatives

San Antonio - Texans for a Traditional School Year applauded the Texas Senate today for its passage of SB 108.  

After several revisions, the final bill language simply calls for school districts to start academic instruction for students no earlier than the week in which August 21 falls.

 “This legislation will help Texas families, teachers and students,” said Senator Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville), the bill author.  “Passion has run high for this bill.  I can’t seem to walk through my local grocery store or give a speech without parents and teachers thanking me for introducing this legislation.  I think my colleagues in the Senate have experienced the same thing.” 

According to testimony given last week, most Texas schools currently start in early to mid-August.  This makes it difficult for teachers to maximize summer learning opportunities, limits students’ abilities to take summer classes at local community colleges and reduces money they are able to earn at summer jobs.  

“The educational quality of our schools depends on the preparedness of our teachers,” said Tina Bruno, executive director of Texans for a Traditional School Year, a statewide, grassroots organization. “We have a shortage of certified teachers in our state and are experiencing a great shortage of specialized teachers.  Yet we shorten the time during the summer dedicated people have to go back to school to become certified or pick up a needed specialization.  It just doesn’t make sense.”

Proponents of the legislation also say starting school in early August minimizes time for non-custodial parents to spend with children in the summer, and the extended breaks during the school year make finding child care difficult and expensive for families.

The bill passed with a voice vote.  

For more information on the negative impact of the early-August school start date on teachers, families and students, contact Texans for a Traditional School Year toll-free at 877-531-9011.