A Visit to the Texas Capitol: Save Our Summer!
Asking for Uniform School Start Dates:
In Texas, the introduction of Districts of Innovation (DOI) has allowed school districts greater flexibility in their academic calendars. While this autonomy has benefits, it has also led to the increasingly early start dates for DOI schools. Currently, these districts can begin classes at any point in August, while non-DOI schools must wait until the fourth Monday of the month. This inconsistency creates challenges for summer programs, businesses, and families who rely on a predictable summer schedule. According to the TEA website, there are currently 986 Districts of Innovation in the state of Texas (out of around 1,200 total districts). Over 80%.
The Impact on Summer Camps and Tourism:
Summer camps provide invaluable experiences for young people—fostering independence, leadership, and outdoor exploration. As well as helping to build those coveted 21st century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication. However, with some schools starting as early as the first week of August, camps are losing both campers and staff. Traditionally, camps operate from early June through mid-August, but inconsistent school start dates make it difficult to plan and staff programs effectively.
Beyond summer camps, the impact extends to tourism. Many families vacation in August, and when schools start earlier, tourism-dependent businesses across Texas suffer. Attractions, resorts, and local economies that rely on a full summer season lose valuable revenue.
A Simple Solution
To strike a balance between flexibility and consistency, HB 1591 proposes requiring DOI schools to start no earlier than the third Monday in August. This compromise would allow summer camps to maintain a reliable schedule while ensuring that campers, their families, and seasonal workers can enjoy a full summer experience. Additionally, a uniform start date would support the state’s tourism economy.
Taking Action at the Capitol
As a former teacher in Dallas ISD, I understand the importance of giving school districts flexibility, and I fully support the great work DOI schools are doing. However, Beth and I recently visited the Texas Capitol alongside many other camp representatives to advocate for House Bill 1591. This bill would set the third Monday in August as the earliest start date for DOI schools, ensuring a balanced approach that benefits both education and summer opportunities.
Currently, HB 1591 is still in committee, but we are hopeful it will be pushed toward a vote this session. The feedback we received from state lawmakers was positive, and since the bill carries no financial provisions, many believe it has a strong chance of passing if it reaches a vote.
How Camp Families Can Help
If you believe in preserving summer opportunities, here’s how you can help:
- Contact Your Representatives - Call or email your local legislators to express your support for HB 1591. Let them know that camp helps build the most important 21st Century skills, like critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication.
- Share Your Story - If your family has been affected by early school start dates, share your experience with lawmakers and on social media. Also let them know the role that camp plays in the life of your camper, and if applicable the role that camp played in your life.
- Spread the Word - Encourage other camp families and community members to take action.
- Stay Informed - Follow the progress of HV1591 and be ready to lend your support.
Moving Forward
We at Vista Camps believe that DOI schools have done wonderful things for education, and we don’t want this bill to make it seem we are against DOI’s. Our local districts are all DOI’s and we fully support them. This bill simply ensures that summer remains a time for camps, tourism, and seasonal employment while still allowing schools the flexibility they need.
By working together, we can create a school calendar that benefits everyone. Let’s make summer count while ensuring students return to school ready for success—at a time that works for all Texans.
