AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Lawmakers are going to consider a bill to lengthen Maine’s mandatory minimum school year by five days.

A bill before the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee on Wednesday would extend the school year from 180 days to 185 days a year. The bill is sponsored by Republican Rep. Peter Edgecomb of Caribou, who’s also a member of the education committee.

A separate bill also to be reviewed by the education committee would mandate that the school year not begin before September 1.

The rule would apply beginning in the 2012-2013 academic year and would apply to elementary schools, secondary schools, the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System.

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