Study adds to debate over bill to push back start of school

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) – Supporters of legislation to push back the opening date for many Kentucky school districts are pointing to a study claiming the early return to school costs the state millions of dollars.

The Kentucky Travel Industry Association and the Kentucky Marina Association commissioned the study administered by Certec to support Senate Bill 50 to prevent districts from starting classes before late August.

Many districts resume school in early August, cutting nearly of month of potential business for the travel industry. The study says that between July and August of 2014, $432 million of business was lost, 6,000 jobs were ended early and $45 million in state and local taxes were lost.

Senator Chris Girdler of Somerset is sponsoring the bill, which would set the opening date for schools no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26.

Some groups are opposed to the legislation. Kentucky Education Association spokesman Charles Main says the bill would take away the flexibility for school districts to set their own dates for starting school.

Officials from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association say schools that have a history of closing because of inclement weather could request waivers to start earlier. The association also says year-round schools would not be affected.