Proposed bill would be nightmare for schools
By Kyle Kallhoff, Superintendent of Education, Demopolis City School System
Could you imagine a school year in which students only got two days off for Thanksgiving, less than a week off for Christmas, and possibly no spring break at all? Or, perhaps a school year with typical days out of school but the length of the school day being extended one to two hours? Neither can I; however, if Rep. Steve Hurst, R-Munford, has his way, one or both of these nightmare scenarios could become a reality.
Rep. Hurst is introducing a bill to mandate school systems to develop academic calendars to start school after Labor Day and conclude the school year prior to Memorial Day. This bill has to still go through committee and both the House and Senate before becoming law. Usually, in this process a bill will either die or get amended multiple times before becoming law. It seems like every year during the legislative session there are one or two lawmakers who believe they know what is best for education. In some cases, their bills become laws and have a positive impact on teaching and learning in Alabama. Nonetheless, I am struggling to see how Rep. Hurst’s bill will make a positive impact on education.
According to an article from AL.com posted February 5, Mr. Hurst said his proposal is not only about tourism and more money for education, but it is about jobs. In a recent television interview he said by having an extended summer, students could work more, learn more discipline and contribute financially to help their families. The rationale is surprising to me because Mr. Hurst is from an area that has some of the most innovative schools in Alabama and is led by probably the most forward thinking, innovative superintendent in the state, Dr. Lacey from Talladega County.
My biggest concern with this bill is what it may do to teacher morale in a state that is already suffering from a teacher shortage crisis like never before. Teaching is different than it was 30 years ago when students had fewer days out of school and longer summer breaks. Thirty years ago, you did not have social workers and mental health providers in schools daily to provide assistance to teachers in removing barriers so children can learn. Also, three decades ago it was very uncommon to see Employee Assistant Programs (EAP), which were designed to support teachers who suffer mental fatigue from working tirelessly to remove barriers from students in order prepare them to be successful in life.
If you share the same concerns as I, then it is imperative that you contact Rep. Hurst and express your apprehensions in a professional and appropriate manner. You also should contact your local State Representative and Senator to solicit support.
Contact information for the legislators is as follows:
Rep. Steve Hurst, 334-261-0415, steve.hurst@alhouse.gov
Rep. A.J. McCampbell, 334-2661-0547, aj.mccambell.alhouse.gov
Sen. Bobby Singleton, 334-261-0335, bsingle@gmail.com