MADISON, WI (AP)-- The Wisconsin Assembly has passed a bill that would end a requirement that schools teach for 180 days a year or lose state funding.
The Republican measure would allow schools to extend their days rather than force them to stay open later in the summer to make up time lost to weather-related closings and parent-teacher conferences. Schools that don't meet the hourly quota would still lose state aid.
Rural schools support the proposal as a way of saving money by keeping doors closed and avoiding higher transportation costs.
The Senate passed the bill last week on a voice vote. The Assembly approved it on a voice vote Tuesday. It now goes to Governor Scott Walker.