Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesman Larry Todd said the new law would give the prison system better control over the money-making schemes some inmates try to run. Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer Aging Baby Boomers may have their share of aches and pains these days, but there are happy memories. One of those memories is of the time when summer vacation amounted to a full three months of no school. In the good old days, at least from the perspective of those born between 1946 and 1964, school ended in late May and did not start again until after Labor Day. These days, while school ends a bit earlier than it used to, it resumes in early to mid-August.
Some districts start classes during the first week of that month.
But it looks like school children will be picking up a little extra summer time starting with the 2002 school year. The House has passed Senate Bill 108, a measure that will mandate that schools not begin prior to Aug. 21. But the version was weakened somewhat, at least in the eyes of its advocates, by addition of a provision that would allow school districts to get a three-year waiver of the rule from the state education commissioner. Even with the change, schools still must provide 180 days of instruction. For comments or questions, email The Pleasanton Express .