CHARLESTON (AP) — Another year, another overwhelming number of counties whose schools won’t meet West Virginia’s 180-day requirement.

As many as 52 of 55 counties will fall short this year. Lawmakers are planning a joint meeting of the House and Senate education committees Thursday to hear proposals for possible solutions.

Gov. Joe Manchin wants the state law that fixes the start and end dates of the school year changed so counties can have more flexibility in determining their calendars.

The idea has been endorsed by State Superintendent of Schools Steve Paine and members of the state Board of Education, but similar proposals have failed in the past.