LINCOLN- One state senator wants all school districts in Nebraska to begin the school year after Labor Day and finish before Memorial Day.

Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard introduced LB1001, which would establish a statewide academic school term. Extracurricular activities and summer school would not be limited by the academic calendar.

Speaking before the Legislature's Education Committee on Tuesday, Erdman said student learning is being interrupted by teacher in-service days and significant amounts of time off for things such as winter and spring break.

Those days off also make it difficult for parents to find child care, Erdman said. He added that young people are also being taught they don't need to work five days a week.

The senator also challenged superintendents to prove teacher in-service days are needed. Erdman said if districts want to hold an in-service day for teachers, then that should be done before school starts.

Currently, most school districts in eastern Nebraska begin the school year in mid-August and end in May.

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