Readers Sound Off in Favor of Post-Labor Day Start of School

On Thursday, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot advocated for a post-Labor Day start to the school year. 

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.

Students return to school in Anne Arundel County starting Monday, Aug. 26.

When the question of starting school later in the year was presented to Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch readers, there was an overwhelming response in favor of the change. 

Many argued that's when the start of school used to be, and questioned why they changed it. A few readers said that while they agreed the start of school should be pushed back, they didn't agree with Franchot's reasoning. 

Here's a roundup of what some of your neighbors had to say on the issue: 

Jan Miletich: Since when are educational decisions based on a "maybe" of boosting the economy?

B Torgo Weiss: You mean like they used to do for the entire 12 years I went to public school in Maryland? Yes, I think they should go back to that.

Lynn Friedrich: This was the normal start date back when we went to school back in the 70's & 80's, in MD

James Debbie Levi: Tuesday after Labor Day through Wednesday after Memorial Day. Perfect.

Cathy Carlsson: Now that's somebody with some sense!

Gayle Friedman Schneider: Yes, it was like that when I went to school. August is usually extremely hot - would benefit everyone. And Maryland should also be uniform in when everyone starts and stops school!!!!

Donna Bridges: I'm for it. We didn't start til then, and ended in May...kids need a break!

What do you think about a post-Labor Day start of school? Click here to join the conversation.