Resolution: School Year Calendar

Release Date: Feb 10, 2010

Introduction: A change in current law regarding the start date or length of the school year is not necessary to make progressive change in Minnesota's educational outcomes.

Increased learning outcomes are compatible with Minnesota's tradition of summer. There are many reforms proposed for K-12 education; all day-every day kindergarten, longer school days, increasing the number of education days per year, and many more. Reforms that compliment students, families and the many businesses that depend on the school calendar can be accomplished.

Whereas, Minnesota claims one of the highest levels of K-12 learning in the country;

Whereas, increasing classroom time does not have to compete with Minnesota's tourism industry;

Whereas, learning benefits and outcomes are important to the tourism industry;

Whereas, school calendars can have an impact on both family vacation options and seasonal employment;

Therefore, the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council supports:

Quality education as a high priority for the state;

A school calendar that addresses the best learning outcomes available while preserving Minnesota's heritage of summer, including preserving a post Labor Day School start;

Consolidation of calendars among school districts in a manner that does not alter the date of a post Labor Day school year start; and

Investigating other tools to increase learning outcomes before changing the start date or increasing the number of educational days in the school year.