Governor McDonnell has signed legislation that will let Roanoke start school before Labor Day.
Now, school leaders say they're moving as quickly as they can to make it happen.
"This is the right thing for our students, so I'm thrilled, Bishop told News 7 in an interview Thursday afternoon.
Pleased that a long and frustrating fight has come to an end, Rita Bishop is now making plans to shift the calendar for the next school year. Eventually she would like to add two weeks on the front end of the school calendar, but for next year, she says she will recommend classes start one week earlier.
Bishop says she is convinced that an early start will pay dividends, by giving students more time to prepare for important tests. "I taught AP English and it makes a great deal of difference and what we need to do is start school, run with it and make every instructional day count," Bishop said.
The school system still must request a waiver from the Virginia Department of Education, but School Board Chairman David Carson hopes board members will be able to vote on the new calendar at a meeting in April or May. "And we're appreciative of folks that have plans during the summer that have plans during the year that would like to know when things are going to start and finish," Carson said, "so we are and everyone should have our assurance, we're acting as quickly as we can."
The legislation that Governor McDonnell signed doesn't take effect until July first. That is raising questions about Roanoke's ability to apply for and receive a waiver before Summer.
There was no definitive answer from Richmond Thursday, but a spokesman for the Virginia Department of Education said officials are reviewing the issue and will provide Roanoke with "timely, but sound advice."
