The state department of education wants a more flexible school calendar.
State education officials are asking lawmakers to allow the school year to start before September and for instructional time to be counted in hours instead of days.
Instead of the required 180 school days per year, students would attend classes from 900 to 990 hours per school year.
Officials say the changes would help school districts meet their annual instructional requirements. And the districts would have the option of opening before September 1st.