Texas lawmaker proposes September school start date

Texas State Representative Jared Patterson has introduced the ‘Save Our Summer Act,’ a legislative proposal to delay the start of the Texas school year until September. Under this plan, the academic year would conclude in late May or early June.

Patterson argues the shift is necessary to protect students and outdoor participants from extreme summer temperatures and to reduce the energy costs associated with cooling school buildings during peak heat months. This is a reintroduction of a similar bill that failed to pass the Public Education Committee two years ago.

Critics and education experts have raised concerns regarding potential ripple effects. Watt Black, a clinical professor of education policy at SMU, noted that without adjusting the end-of-year schedule, schools might be forced to implement longer daily hours. Additionally, a longer summer break could exacerbate issues related to learning loss and food insecurity. Patterson’s Democratic opponent, Joe Mayes, stated that while he is open to the discussion, he does not view it as a top priority for public education.