DES MOINES, Iowa --- The move last week by state lawmakers to require that all school districts start classes no earlier than the last week in August may be only a prelude to a more divisive debate next session on the length of the school year.

Gov. Terry Branstad's education reform effort creates a task force to study the structure of Iowa's academic year, and that provision has made it through both the House and Senate versions of the bill.

Proponents of a longer school year --- including President Barack Obama, who called for it in 2009 --- say more time in class will help American students compete in the global economy. They draw a correlation between the longer school years in countries such as Singapore and how well those students do on international tests.

"The governor has heard over and over again at town hall meetings from Iowans who have requested a longer school year," Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht wrote in an email. "The governor believes it is an idea that merits exploring."

Branstad also supported doing away with the waivers that allowed school districts to pick their own start time. His support helped spark the legislation in the House, and it now waits for action in the Senate.