When public schools begin classes next year, Kansas Republican Legislator Bill Rhiley from Wellington – hopes the bell won’t be ringing until the second week of September.

Rhiley prefiled House Bill 2409 that would stop Kansas school districts from starting before the Labor Day holiday. The former teacher tells KSAL News he believes less breaks and a consistent schedule is the key to learning.

Rhiley added since news of the plan emerged, the Kansas National Education Association has emailed him numerous times with their opposition.

The Kansas Legislative Session begins on January 12th and if the measure passed it would take effect for the 2026-27 school year. The law would not block districts from other programs like summer school.

A 2024 online study from WeAreTeachers shows only 16-percent of U.S. public schools start class after September 1st, while 47-percent open classrooms before August 16th.