Lawmakers Discussing Bill To Start Md. Schools After Labor Day

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)-- School scheduling controversy --should summer vacation end after labor day?

It's been a hot topic in Maryland lately and now it's in the hands of the legislature.

Pat Warren looks at the pros and cons.

This winter weather has a lot of people longing for summer and lawmakers today were asked to make the summer longer.

There are two schools of thought on the subject of when school should start.

"If they're going to be in school longer for snow they might as well go back to school later, give em' a little more summer," one man said.

"I think the summer tends to be too long, it's hard to keep them engaged," another woman said.

Lawmakers are considering both views in hearing a bill that prohibits schools from opening before Labor Day.

But a new Goucher Poll show most Marylanders - 72% - have made up their minds that a post Labor Day start is a good idea and here's why. 20% say it just doesn't make sense to open before Labor Day and then close days later for the holiday. 18% say it benefits students, the same percentage says it's good for families and 15% says that's just the way it always was.

"It's time for the children to have a summer and have the memory like I did. I was fortunate enough to have 100 days of summer when I grew up and my children are down to 75," said Denise Avara, parent.

For the kids whose future is in agriculture, starting school in August forces some tough decisions.

You have to make a decision about whether you're going to spend a week at the fair or whether you're going to school.

"I show livestock, I have cattle and pigs and goats so going to the fair I miss the first whole week of school," said Kimmi Doran.

The cons --27% say starting after labor day would mean getting out later in June, and 20% believe it would hurt students.

The Maryland State Education Association says districts have the power to make their own calendar decisions and it should stay that way.

"Calendar committees at the local level have to balance they're the right folks in the trenches making these decisions, we should trust their judgment on this," said Sean Johnson, MSEA.

Not a good enough says the state comptroller, who says it's not only good for families, it's a smart business decision.

"Some of them made the very emotional statement, comptroller you're putting the businesses ahead of the kids, that's nonsense. We're all in this together and everybody supports it except that tiny group of people that's my way or the highway," Peter Franchot said.

Either way, it has a long road ahead.

Governor Hogan says he would sign the bill but it has to clear the committees and then pass the house and senate first.