Year-round school bill signed into law

WASHINGTON — A bill allowing high schools to hold year-round classes was signed into law last week by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The legislation was written by State Rep. Heather Hora, a Republican whose district includes all of Washington County and some rural southern parts of Johnson County. She said the reform would help schools “remain competitive,” as educators across the state and nation worry about burnout among students and staff alike.

“We have seen some schools use a 4-day school week to entice and retain teachers, and this legislation adds a year-round school calendar as an option they didn't have for grades 9-12,” Hora said in a statement. “Studies show that a year-round school calendar is best for students academically, and teachers who have taught in them have been quoted as saying that more breaks throughout the year benefit them mentally and in the classroom.”

State code already allowed year-round schooling for prekindergarten students, up to eighth grade. Titled House File 392, Hora’s bill extends the eligible grade levels through the rest of the public education system.

It passed with bipartisan support, winning affirmative votes from every lawmaker in both chambers of the legislature, save for Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, a Democrat from Story County.

While Southeast Iowa schools haven’t publicly expressed much interest in making the switch to year-round classes, the practice is in use at a handful of buildings around the state, including in the Indianola and Urbandale school districts.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com