DETROIT – U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) introduced the “Family Friendly Schools Act" Wednesday, which intends to give schools resources to stay open during the entire work day through the school year.
The bill would also invest over $1 billion in summer learning programs, according to a release. Five-year grants of up to $5 million would be awarded to school districts that would be used to lengthen the school day to from at least 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The schools would also not close for parent-teacher conferences, or any other reason, without offering activities to students. The bill, according to the release, would not increase the amount of time teachers and staff work unless they choose to work additional hours.
“My mother raised my sister and me while working demanding, long hours,” Harris said. “So, I know firsthand that, for many working parents, juggling between school schedules and work schedules is a common cause of stress and financial hardship. But, this does not have to be the case. My bill provides an innovative solution that will help reduce the burden of child care on working families. It is time we modernize the school schedule to better meet the needs of our students and their families.”
Full text of the bill is available below: