Members of the Virginia General Assembly are considering a bill that will allow school districts to begin classes before Labor Day. If the Labor Day Law is not repealed, it continues to allow the state to seize the authority of the local school board. It currently allows for little to no flexibility or creativity in the development of the school calendar. Its repeal would make it possible for school divisions to easily schedule exams before Christmas, which would be an advantage for the students. The school calendar could be set in a manner that is acceptable to the community and in the best interest of the students.
The tourism industry is in great disagreement, citing the economic benefit to the state of having a longer summer. This will be a closely monitored bill by educators across the state.
