Modifies provisions governing the school calendar

HB 2878 sets minimum requirements for school calendars in Missouri public school districts. It mandates a minimum of 169 school days (or 142 days for four-day-week districts) and 1,044 hours of student attendance annually, plus 36 make-up hours for weather-related closures. The bill prohibits districts from opening before 21 calendar days prior to the first Monday in September, with limited exceptions requiring public notice and board approval for earlier dates. Violations result in the state withholding 25% of a district’s annual state funding for each day of non-compliance. The law does not apply to year-round schools or districts with state board-approved exemptions for unusual circumstances.