MO HB765

Repeals and replaces section 171.031, RSMo, regarding school calendar requirements for Missouri school districts.

Provides school boards with two calendar options: (1) minimum 174 days for five-day weeks or 142 days for four-day weeks plus 1,044 hours of attendance and six make-up days, or (2) minimum 1,173 hours of actual pupil attendance with no minimum number of days required.

Requires school opening dates to be no earlier than ten calendar days prior to the first Monday in September unless the school board holds a public meeting and votes to approve an earlier date.

Establishes penalties for violating these provisions: the state board of education shall withhold one quarter of state funding generated under section 163.031 for each day of violation.

Exempts year-round schools from opening date restrictions and allows the state board of education to grant exemptions for districts with highly unusual and extenuating circumstances.