State Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, says he will file a “Save Our Summers Act” next session to start public school after Labor Day and end in late May or early June.
On X, Patterson wrote that starting in August is “among the dumbest things we do as a state.” He said it does not make sense for athlete safety, school budgets or the electric grid. “Teachers shouldn’t go back until Sept 1, and students after that,” he posted.
Current Texas law generally bars instruction before the fourth Monday in August. Many districts, using District of Innovation plans, start earlier. This year Dallas ISD began Aug. 11, Houston ISD Aug. 10 and Austin ISD Aug. 18, according to district calendars.
Starting school during the hottest month of year is among the dumbest things we do as a state.
— Rep. Jared Patterson (@JaredLPatterson) August 10, 2026
It doesn’t make sense for student athlete safety, it doesn’t make sense for the economy, it doesn’t make sense for ISD budgets, and it doesn’t make sense for the electric grid.…
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Patterson argues August heat is unsafe for recess, football and band, and that cooling large school buildings then wastes money and stresses the grid. He says the bill would not cut required instructional time, only shift the calendar and possibly shorten mid-year breaks.
U.S. Rep. Craig Goldman has backed a similar Labor Day-to-Memorial Day window. Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare has also said school is starting too early.
Patterson told WFAA he filed a similar bill two years ago that did not leave the House Public Education Committee. He said recent feedback has been mostly positive and bipartisan. His Democratic opponent, Joe Mays, told ABC13 he is open to the conversation but it is not a first-day priority, citing school funding and other issues.
Districts and tourism interests have long preferred an earlier start to leave more summer for travel after Memorial Day. Patterson said his plan would still keep students in class through late spring.
The Legislature next meets in January 2027. No bill text has been filed yet.
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