In June, the House Education Committee unanimously approved House Bill 4671, which would repeal the requirement that schools start after Labor Day. Currently, a district may only start before Labor Day if it or its ISD receives a waiver from the Michigan Department of Education. MASB has long supported this repeal and it finally seems possible. This year approximately 80% of districts started in August, further showing that this waiver requirement is just unnecessary paperwork.

The bill would not require districts to start before Labor Day, it would simply give them the option without needing permission from the state. Districts would still be able to start after Labor Day if that is the best option for their students, staff and community. As usual, the support and opposition breaks down between education and tourism groups, with all education groups supporting.

Last week, the bill was scheduled for a vote but was pulled at the last minute. While we work to get it back on the agenda, we urge you to contact your Representative and ask them to support this bill. School start date should be a local decision, not the state’s.