State Senator Considers Legislation for an “Opt-In” Program to Extend School Years

State Senator Tom Facey of Missoula is looking into a bill that would allow school officials to extend their school years.

NBC Montana reported Friday that Facey is wanting to secure funds for schools, which then would allow the schools to offer additional classes and programs after the traditional school year ends.

"Research has shown that we do have backsliding in test scores during the summer break," Facey said. "So if we were to shorten that up, we wouldn't have that reduction in test scores."

Facey said he's thinking of extra courses along the lines of remedial math, science enrichment programs and field trips. Schools would pack 30 extra hours into five school days or stretch the available hours out to a longer period.

Since it is a voluntary program though, schools can decide not to participate if they don't want to, and students wouldn't have to take the extra classes.

NBC Montana said Facey is scheduled to discuss his idea with Missoula school officials at a board meeting on Wednesday.