The Virginia House of Delegates approved Bill 1063, which would allow public schools within the Commonwealth to open before Labor Day.
The House Bill, which has the support of Gov. Bob McDonnell, passed the legislature in a 76-23 vote yesterday.
The Virginia State Senate still has to approve the bill; however, it is doubtful the bill will gain the senate's approval, as a similar bill to repeal so-called "King's Dominion Law" was rejected by the senate last week.
School boards in Virginia are in favor of having the option to begin the school year earlier, as it would give teachers more class time to prepare students for standardized tests, which take place in May.
However the Virginia tourism industry believes beginning schools before Labor Day would hurt tourism, tax revenues and in affect harm the schools as well.
Prince William School Board Member Gil Trenum of the Brentsville District, expressed his support for localities having the option to open schools before the Labor Day holiday. Trenum said an early start date could benefit students, when Labor Day falls later in the calendar year.
“Less instructional time puts us behind the eight-ball in comparison to other states,” Trenum said. “Starting sooner, would encourage more effective use of our students' classroom time.”
An earlier start time would allow Prince William Schools to end earlier, provide a longer winter break and/or offer more snow days, he said.
Thereby families would still enjoy a lengthy summer vacation, and the change would not equate to a longer school year.
When contacted, officials at Discover Prince William and Manassas said they have not taken a position on the issue, since there is no solid research on how a pre-Labor Day opening would affect local tourism.
Support Bristow Beat - Donate Today!