Rep. Schor Sponsors Pre-Labor Day School Start Bill

Bill would again let school districts decide when to start their school year

LANSING - State Representative Andy Schor (D-Lansing) introduced House Bill 4844 recently allowing schools to start their academic year before Labor Day. Under current law, the school year for public schools starts after Labor Day.

“I believe that supporting education and giving our students the skills to be successful is one of the most important steps we can take toward growing Michigan’s economy,” said Schor. “My bill will give our school administrators greater flexibility to decide what start date best serves the educational needs of their students.”

Because Labor Day is the final summer vacation weekend for many families, Schor’s bill states that if a district starts classes before Labor Day, then it may not be in session the Friday preceding Labor Day. The law prohibiting public schools from holding classes before Labor Day took effect beginning with the 2006-2007 school year.

“Local educators know best what works for their students, and if being in school prior to Labor Day is a better option in some schools then they should have that option,” said Schor. “I believe that my bill strikes a good balance that will let kids be in school yet also lets families fully enjoy the Labor Day holiday by not holding classes on the Friday before. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bill.”