Bill would force Alabama schools to start on or after Aug. 15 - al.com

Bill would force Alabama schools to start on or after Aug. 15 - al.com: "MONTGOMERY — A proposal that supporters say would give more summer vacation time to students, and more money to coastal tourism spots, narrowly passed a state House committee Wednesday.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Craig Ford, D-Gadsden, would require all public schools in Alabama to begin classes no earlier than Aug. 15.

The state teachers' lobby and many tourism leaders support the bill, but opponents say it could jeopardize education and diminish the authority of local school boards."