AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Senate has rejected a bill calling for a longer school year in the state.

Senators voted 22-12 on Monday against the bill, which would extend the school year from a minimum of 180 to 185 days a year.

Supporters, including Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Justin Alfond of Portland, said Maine has a very short school year compared to the rest of the nation and extending it would put Maine among the states with longer academic years.

Opponents pointed to the cost of adding five school days, about $56 million a year in state and local funds.

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