Gov. Joe Manchin wants counties and state lawmakers to investigate year-round schooling.

Manchin visited the year-round Piedmont Elementary in Charleston last week. He says that system shows great results.

He says if year-round education better prepares children for the work force, it's something West Virginia should consider.

Year-round schools typically give students four three-week breaks a year. The time off is equivalent to a summer vacation.

Advocates say the shorter breaks keep kids interested and improve behavior. They say it also gives families more options for vacation and cuts down on absences.

The September-to-June schedule stems from the days when children were expected to tend crops and help out on family farms.