School start date still a political football

A compromise bill has emerged in the Iowa Legislature that would call for Iowa schools to start no earlier than August 23.

The proposal came about after schools administrators across the state profusely protested the push by Governor Branstad to strictly enforce an old law calling for schools to start after Labor Day.

While the proposal does provide something for both the governor and school officials by pushing the start date back into August, many are still concerned that the state would take control of something they feel should be locally determined.

Superintendent Mike Haluska told the School Board they would have to wait to see how things unfold. In the meantime, he said he had outlined four potential calendars for Decorah Schools!