In 2016 Maryland governor, Larry Hogan, signed an executive order mandating that all schools start after Labor Day. Now, he is fighting some lawmakers who want to change that order so that schools could start earlier if they so desired. The governor said, "Polls have shown that over 70 percent of Marylanders support the after Labor Day start and that, "We’ve taken a lot of actions over the past four years, but I can’t think of any action that has as much widespread, enthusiastic support as this one does."
Those who want an earlier start to the school year argue that the summer is longer and puts a burden on low income families who have to pay more child care days. In addition, those with economic disadvantages often have kids who need more instruction time.
I'd have to take issue with the argument which states that beginning after Labor Day means a longer summer break. Our experience is the school year has little by little been ending much earlier in May than the traditional Memorial Day time and heading back much earlier in August which means the length is about the same.
Frankly school districts which have gone to earlier/mid May ending and earlier/mid August beginnings have rather ruined August for many families who in the past planned vacations at that time. Rarely have people gone on vacation or family trips in May. This type of scheduling began when our kids were in school and I always felt that early dismissal in May was weird and the same with mid August beginnings.
But whatever. For some reason educators like this type of calendar. The last day of school this year in Collinsville was to be May 17, but now after having used up snow days, it will be May 21.
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