SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (RFD News) — Earlier school start dates are creating conflicts for 4-H and FFA exhibitors trying to balance classes with state fair competitions.
The issue came up at this year’s Illinois State Fair, where farm leaders discussed whether schools should wait until after the fair to begin classes, an idea the state has considered before.
The Illinois and Iowa state fairs were held in mid-August this year, when many Illinois students were already back in class.
As schools continue moving start dates earlier, farm families say students are increasingly being forced to choose between school and the fairgrounds.
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