Schools

Franchot: Post-Labor Day School Start Could Create Economic Benefit

Starting schools later could have an economic benefit of more than $74 million, according to a new report.

by Brandi Jefferson

Students advocating for a later end to summer vacation just got a little more ammo, courtesy of Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot.

At an event in Ocean City Thursday, Franchot released a report claiming a post-Labor Day start date for schools across the state could have $74.3 million in direct economic impact each year.

“Not only does [an earlier start] cut into the opportunity for Marylanders to spend more time together as a family, but it also has a negative impact on small businesses," Franchot said in a release about the report conducted by the Bureau of Revenue Estimates. "In these tough economic times, we need to do all that we can to support small businesses and promote economic activity, not cause unnecessary harm to them for no apparent reason.”

Students return to school in Carroll County starting Monday, Aug. 26. The comptroller, however, argues that the later start would give families more time to go to Ocean City, a Baltimore Orioles game or the Maryland State Fair.

In the release, Franchot suggested that school systems could take out planned closure dates or adjust winter and spring breaks to make the change without extending the school year into the summer.

What do you think? Would you be for or against a later start to the school year? Tell us in the comments!


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