Kansas Businesses Understand School Delay; Concern About Hardships It Will Cause

Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb released the following statement in response to Governor Laura Kelly's announcement she is delaying the start of the 2020 - 2021 school year until after Labor Day.

"Much like reopening the state’s economy and businesses forced to close by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kansas schools also must reopen with the safety and well-being of our students and school staff top of mind. The Kansas business community understands the work and preparation it takes to implement a plan that covers so many aspects – operations, education, transportation, and cafeteria services to name a few. However, Kansas students cannot afford to lose a year of instruction. School must reopen and get their students back into the process of learning.

This three-week delay will be frustrating for many businesses and workers. It clearly will create challenges and some hardships for those who have school-age children. We ask the Governor and the Kansas Department of Education to do what they can to accommodate businesses and others who want to assist families with childcare needs."

House Bill 2016 passed by the Kansas Legislature during the recent special session and signed into law by Gov. Kelly requires the Kansas Board of Education to approve the governor's order to delay the start of the school year.