Reference is to Printer's Date 4/14/16-H.
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking SECTION 1 in its entirety and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. Section 59-1-425(A) of the 1976, as added by Act 260 of 2006, is amended to read:
"(A)
Each A local school district board
of trustees of the State shall have has
the authority to establish an annual school calendar for
teachers, staff, and students. The statutory school term is one
hundred ninety days annually and shall
must consist of a minimum of one hundred eighty days of
instruction covering at least nine calendar months.
However, beginning with the 2007-2008 school year the
opening date for students must not be before the third Monday in
August, except for schools operating on a year-round modified
school calendar. However, notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 59-1-425(B), to provide districts with an
increased ability to schedule ninety instructional days prior to
the winter holiday, school boards of trustees must be given the
flexibility to begin school for students no more than five
instructional days prior to August fifteenth. Prior to
exercising this flexibility, a majority vote by the school board
must be taken and notification of the approved beginning date
for students must be submitted to the State Department of
Education. Three days must be used for collegial
professional development based upon the educational standards as
required by Section 59-18-300. The professional development
shall must address, at a minimum,
academic achievement standards including strengthening teachers'
knowledge in their content area, teaching techniques, and
assessment. No more than two days may be used for preparation of
opening of schools and the remaining five days may be used for
teacher planning, academic plans, and parent conferences. The
number of instructional hours in an instructional day may vary
according to local board policy and does not have to be uniform
among the schools in the district."
/
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.