Gov. supports school start delay

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Gov. Mitch Daniels said he'd sign legislation that would prevent most schools from starting classes before Labor Day if the General Assembly approves the proposal.

Daniels said the bill retains local control of class calendars while setting a statewide framework so that school doesn't start too early.

Bill supporters say starting classes after Labor Day would give families more summer vacation time and reduce cooling costs. Opponents say school calendars should be left up to local districts.

The bill has passed the Republican-led Senate and is now before the Democrat-controlled House, where the education committee chair has said he prefers local school board control.