SJR59 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Clay ScofieldDick BrewbakerHarri Anne SmithScott BeasonRusty GloverTrip PittmanBen H. BrooksDel MarshMark Slade Blackwell

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

School Start and End Date Resolution of 2011, established

Summary

SJR59 sets fixed start and end dates for Alabama public schools for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years and requires an impact study with a sunset.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits starting elementary and secondary schools before August 15 (2011-2012) or August 20 (2012-2013), with a Monday after if those dates fall on a weekend. It also requires the school year to end on the Friday before Memorial Day for both years. The State Superintendent can grant temporary waivers in emergencies upon local board request. It mandates an independent study on the calendar's economic, academic, and social impacts, with a final report to the Governor and Legislature and a sunset date of December 31, 2013.

Who It Affects

• Students in Alabama elementary and secondary schools under the State Board of Education: their calendar start dates and latest end date are governed by these rules.
• Local boards of education and the State Department of Education (including the State Superintendent): they implement the calendar requirements, can request emergency waivers, and participate in the required impact study.

Key Provisions

• Earliest start dates: Aug 15 for 2011-2012 and Aug 20 for 2012-2013, with a Monday start if these dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday.
• Latest end date: the Friday before Memorial Day for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years.
• Waiver authority: the State Superintendent may waive these start/end date requirements on a case-by-case emergency basis upon local board request.
• Impact study: PARC or another independent educational policy organization chosen by the State Board shall study the calendar's economic, academic, and social impacts, with findings verified by the Legislative Fiscal Office and a final report presented to the Governor and Legislature by the 2014 regular session.
• Termination: the provisions terminate on December 31, 2013.

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative