Discussing School Start Dates: Before or After Labor Day? A Comprehensive Overview

In the educational landscape of the United States, a contentious issue has arisen concerning the start dates of the school year. This debate is currently unfolding in Minnesota and Maryland, with both states grappling with the question of whether to adhere to the post-Labor Day school start tradition or shift towards an earlier start.

Historically, most public school students in the US began their academic year after Labor Day, a trend that was prevalent in the 1980s. However, this practice has undergone a significant shift, with approximately 70% of students in the nation's public K-12 schools now returning to school before September.

Minnesota, in particular, has a law enforcing a post-Labor Day school start, which was passed in 1985. Yet, districts can apply for waivers based on exceptions. Currently, most districts in the state adhere to this law, but some school boards are pushing to overturn it. The Minnesota School Boards Association, led by Kirk Schneidawind, executive director, is advocating for local control over school start dates, not necessarily earlier ones.

One such advocate for earlier school starts is Kristi Peterson, vice chair of the Shakopee School Board. Peterson argues that earlier starts can help reduce summer learning loss, a concern shared by many school districts in Minnesota, especially those that wish to have more instructional days in advance of statewide assessments.

In contrast, Maryland has seen a different trajectory. Former Gov. Larry Hogan issued an executive order in 2016 requiring public schools to remain closed until after Labor Day to boost tourism. However, the Maryland Senate fought to repeal this order, arguing that the power to decide when to start school should rest with local school boards.

The tourism industry in Minnesota has also supported the post-Labor Day school start law, citing the economic benefits it brings. Yet, in agriculture-heavy communities, there may be exceptions. If a district were to permanently move the start date before Labor Day, concessions might be made for students participating in the state fair, such as providing an extended excused absence.

Recently, a bill passed in the Minnesota legislative session has given districts some local control of start dates for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. This development could mark a significant shift in the long-standing tradition of post-Labor Day school starts in the state.

Elsewhere in the US, students from agricultural communities, such as those in the mid-Atlantic (New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania), are most likely to start school after Labor Day, allowing them to participate in state fairs showcasing cattle, pigs, and sheep.

As the debate over school start dates continues, it is clear that the issue is multifaceted, with considerations ranging from educational benefits to economic impacts and traditional practices. The outcome of this debate promises to shape the educational landscape in Minnesota and potentially beyond.

Discussing School Start Dates: Before or After Labor Day? A Comprehensive Overview