Longer School Days Would Mean A Longer Summer Break

State Representative Randy Davis wants to extend the school day.

The trade-off?

A longer, summer vacation for students.

Alabama students are required to attend 180 days of school each year. Davis wants to switch to an hourly attendance system.

Davis says adding an additional 20 minutes to each school day would shorten the school year- essentially giving students an extra two weeks of summer vacation.

Davis says the move would generate 300 million dollars in additional tax revenue and in school savings.

Schools wouldn't have to run A-C units in early August if the first day of school is pushed back until late August. Davis also says his proposal would cut school fuel costs by leaving buses parked for an additional two weeks.

Local tourism officials like Davis' idea. They say it would keep families at the beach longer, spending more money.

High school students working summer jobs would also benefit by getting an additional paycheck or two.

Davis will introduce legislation on extending the school day by 20 minutes in the next legislative session, which is in February.