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HF 5126

School year calendar start date construction project exception modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Dippel

Districts may start before Labor Day only for on-site, non-occupying construction/remodeling of a single facility costing $500,000+ (and compliant with other rules).

Introduction and first reading, referred to Education Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 5126

Summary of HF 5126 (2025-2026) – School year calendar start date construction project exception modified

Purpose and intent

HF 5126 proposes to modify Minnesota’s school calendar start rules to create a specific exception allowing districts to begin the school year before Labor Day when tied to certain construction or remodeling activities. The bill also tightens the conditions for using this exception, including a higher cost threshold, location-related requirements, and restrictions on project type and timing.

Key provisions and changes

  • Base rule on school calendar (new Subd. 1):

    • Generally, districts must not start an elementary or secondary school year before Labor Day.
    • Exceptions (as provided in Subd. 2) allow starting before Labor Day under specific circumstances.
    • Days devoted to teachers’ workshops may occur before Labor Day.
    • Districts entering into cooperative agreements are encouraged to adopt similar calendars.

  • Exceptions to the Labor Day start (new Subd. 2, revised):

    • A district may begin the school year before Labor Day if: 1) The district has a construction or remodeling project affecting a district school facility that costs $500,000 or more (note: the monetary threshold is explicit and codified here) and meets subdivision 3 requirements. 2) The district has a formal agreement under sections 123A.30, 123A.32, or 123A.35 with another district that qualifies under clause (1). 3) The district agrees to the same calendar with a school district in an adjoining state.

  • Construction or remodeling project requirements (new Subd. 3):

    • For a project to qualify:
    • The project cost must be $500,000 or more and apply to a single school facility (the cost threshold is tied to a single facility rather than district-wide projects).
    • The construction or remodeling must occur on the school site.
    • The project must not be completed while students are present in the school.
    • Clarification: A new construction project at a separate school site does not qualify for the exception under Subd. 2.

Who is affected

  • School districts planning calendar years and potential pre-Labor Day starts due to construction or remodeling activities.
  • District facilities and construction projects that reach or exceed the $500,000 threshold and meet in-site, non-operational during school times requirements.
  • Inter-district collaborations or agreements with neighboring districts in Minnesota or adjoining states that seek to utilize the allowed pre-Labor Day start through collaboration.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill establishes the framework and criteria for when a district may begin before Labor Day, contingent on:
    • Project cost and scope (single facility, on-site, not during school occupancy).
    • Existence of eligible cooperative agreements or cross-border calendar alignment.
  • The bill’s effective dates are not specified in the provided text, but it updates Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120A.40, indicating it would modify current law upon enactment.

Notes for readers

  • The cost threshold is specific: $500,000 or more for a single facility.
  • The exception is tightly scoped to on-site construction/remodeling projects that cannot be completed while students are present.
  • Projects at separate sites do not qualify, and the exception requires adherence to the outlined conditions (including timing and on-site nature).
  • This bill does not alter other permitted pre-Labor Day activities (e.g., teacher workshops) beyond allowing the broader calendar exception under the specified circumstances.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current statute or a brief impact assessment for districts considering this option.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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