Increasing the number of school days and hours that must be provided by school districts for each school year.
Impact
The passage of HB 2224 is expected to impact existing laws concerning the length of the academic year and the governance of school scheduling. By enforcing more stringent attendance requirements, the bill aims to recognize and address issues related to student performance and readiness. Proponents argue that these additional school days will provide necessary instructional time, particularly for students requiring extra support. Consequently, the bill may lead to an overall increase in educational standards within the state's public school system and more structured intervention strategies for students struggling academically.
Summary
House Bill 2224 aims to increase the number of school days and hours required for public school districts in Kansas for each academic year. Specifically, the bill mandates that students in kindergarten through grade 11 must attend a minimum of 186 school days, while grade 12 students must complete at least 181 days. Additionally, it stipulates that schools can offer programs extending beyond the regular school schedule for remedial education or disciplinary purposes. This change is intended to enhance education quality and student learning time, reflecting a broader commitment to improved educational outcomes across the state.
Contention
One of the major points of contention surrounding HB 2224 involves its implications for local school districts' autonomy. Critics argue that enforcing a standardized increase in school days and hours may not account for the diverse needs and circumstances of different communities. Concerns have been raised that this mandate could strain resources in some districts, particularly those already facing budgetary constraints, potentially leading to further disparities in educational quality. Additionally, the bill's provisions related to inclement weather closures may create challenges in maintaining sufficient instructional days, prompting debates about flexibility and local decision-making authority.
Schools; school year length; allowing school districts to adopt a school-hours policy with specified minimum number of days beginning with certain school year; effective date; emergency.
Schools; school year length; allowing school districts to adopt a school-hours policy with specified minimum number of days beginning with certain school year; effective date; emergency.
Schools; allowing a school district or charter school to include virtual days in its school year policy; providing reasons for virtual days. Effective date. Emergency.
House Substitute for SB 113 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the department of education for FY 23, FY 24 and FY 25; establishing the mental health intervention team program; authorizing certain students to participate in activities regulated by the Kansas state high school activities association; requiring school districts to post certain enrollment and academic information on school district websites; revising school district open-enrollment procedures; authorizing local school board members to receive compensation from their school district; authorizing current-year student enrollment for determinations of state foundation aid; continuing the 20 mill statewide tax levy for schools; amending the school districts that qualify for and the amount that school districts are able to levy pursuant to the cost-of-living weighting.
Authorizing children in the custody of the secretary of the department for children and families to attend school in any school district, requiring records for such students to be timely transferred between school districts and requiring a transportation plan if the child remains in the school of origin.