SB271 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arthur OrrSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Public schools, K-12 instructional days, local board of education with approval of State Superintendent of Education authorized to make up cancelled instructional days by adjusting the hours of actual instruction, Sec. 16-13-231 am'd.
Summary: SB271 lets local boards of education, with approval from the State Superintendent of Education, make up canceled instructional days by extending the hours of instruction instead of adding days.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 16-13-231 to authorize replacing canceled instructional days due to weather or other extenuating circumstances by lengthening the hours of actual teaching on specified days, subject to approval. The baseline requirement remains at least 180 full instructional days, with exceptions defined by regulations; if a district fails to operate any schools, Foundation Program funding is calculated only for the days actually in session. During a Governor-declared emergency, districts may appeal to the State Superintendent for relief in fulfilling the calendar for student or employee days, with no loss of income to employees. Foundation Program funding rules, local effort requirements, and salary standards guide how funds are allocated and spent.

Who It Affects
Local boards of education and school districts: can adjust the calendar by extending instructional hours to replace canceled days, with approval from the State Superintendent.
Teachers, school staff, and students: salaries must meet the State Minimum Salary Schedule; emergency relief protects employee income; students benefit from fewer lost days.

Key Provisions
Local boards may substitute canceled instructional days by extending hours on specified days, with approval from the State Superintendent of Education.
A minimum of 180 full instructional days remains the target, but if districts do not operate schools, funding is based only on days actually in session.
In emergencies declared by the Governor, districts can seek relief to meet calendar requirements without reducing employees' income.
Foundation Program funding continues to require a local 10-mill effort, equitable fund allocation, and salary standards at least equal to the State Minimum Salary Schedule, with annual reporting on fund use.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Education