Miss. legislators suggest starting school later to save money
Legislators are asking the state Department of Education to consider pushing back the start of school each year as a means of saving money and boosting tourism.
Representatives of the department appeared before the Joint Legislative Budget Committee on Wednesday, requesting an extra $173 million in funding to operate in the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Lawmakers responded with comments about finding ways to save money, including rescheduling the start of school.
Rep. Diane Peranich, D-Pass Christian, said she and the Gulf Coast Business Council had met with interim Superintendent of Education John Jordan about the idea. Peranich, who chairs the House Tourism Committee, said starting school in mid-August “is an opportunity to generate more revenue.” Gaming industry officials have said extending summer vacation gives families more time to travel to the Coast market for the beaches and casinos.
Peranich and Sen. Billy Hewes III, R-Gulfport, also said it doesn’t make sense to send children back to class during the hottest time of the year, leading to expensive air conditioning costs
AP
9/24/9
Magnolia Tribune
