Patch Poll: Is After-Labor Day School Start Date Too Late?

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For many school districts across the country, August is the new September.

But not in Michigan, where schools are required to start after Labor Day. It’s the same in Minnesota, South Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia. For most school districts across the country, the start date is a matter of local control.

In Michigan, the after-Labor Day start date doesn’t apply to schools operating on a year-round calendar or international baccalaureate academies that offer 1,160 hours of instruction.

The reasoning for the Michigan law, which took effect almost a decade ago, is that the later start date boosts the state’s important tourism industry. With a late Labor Day this year, Michigan’s public school students didn’t head back until Sept. 8.

Some educators across the state think the matter should be one of local control, especially with a new state law extending the school calendar. This year, the number of instruction days goes from 170 to 175, and in 2016-2017, students will be required to be in school for 180 days.

Last spring, Rep. Kurt Heise, R-Plymouth, proposed House Bill 4396, which has been referred to the House Education Committee. The proposal would allow schools to start before Labor Day, as long as the Friday preceding the holiday was a school vacation day, ensuring a four-day weekend for everyone.

He told Michigan Radio last spring the proposed legislation balances the importance of the tourism industry, but also gives schools the flexibility to set their own calendars, especially those districts that typically have a lot of snow days that must be made up in June.

The proposal has received “overwhelming” support from teachers and school districts.

What do you think? Take our poll and tell us your thoughts in the comments.