Comments on: Is Gov. Hogan about to mandate that schools start after Labor Day?

By: Parent

Parent — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 03:18:45 +0000

The Governor does not have the authority to sign an executive order mandating a post Labor Day start for all public schools. There is nothing in Maryland law or the Maryland Constitution that gives him the power to do this. The State Board of Education or the State Superintendent may have the authority under the law, but not the Governor. The Governor is overstepping his authority in an area that really should be decided by local boards of education. Why is he mandating this? Why does he not hold hearings on his proposal and hear what the public has to say?

By: John C. Cassell

John C. Cassell — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 01:42:35 +0000

Some parents think starting before Labor Day is just the right thing to do.
But, those parents are not thinking education their thinking DAY CARE.
Only the true fun loving parents know their kids will NOT be thinking about school if they go back before Labor Day. I would say most kids are thinking great just 4 days and mom will take me out on Friday so we can go away for the long Labor Day Weekend. What can staring before help add to their true education values.
Also can the County handle the additional cost of running A/C in schools if the start date is moved back ?$?$
Last the tax value on that week up to Labor Day can bring in more money but, lost if we go back the week before. Can the State and County afford that lost of tax revenue ?$?$ A politicians nightmare to explain.

By: Tish

Tish — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 01:35:21 +0000

In reply to Ann Baker. Uh I work past five and don't get paid extra. I work on Saturdays and don't get paid extra. Any additional classes I may take to catch up on accounting laws are done on my own dime and time. Teachers are not doing anything more or less than me.

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 00:50:36 +0000

Absolutely schools should start after Labor Day! Summer time is important for little kids and big kids.

By: Ann

Ann — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 19:58:53 +0000

All for starting school after Labor Day! What happen to summer days!
I have heard so many children express they do not know why they should go back before Labor Day! After Labor they are more excited to go to school! Don’t take our summer’s away!

By: Valia Vassila

Valia Vassila — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 16:59:40 +0000

Students should come back to school after Labor Day. It makes absolutely no sense to have school for 4 or 5 days and then go off for the long weekend. Many parents are pulling the students out of school the Friday and even Thursday before Labor Day and often do not return the day after either. Please bring the school year to where it used to be. Thank you.

By: Valia Vassila

Valia Vassila — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 16:54:41 +0000

Students SHOULD come to school after Labor Day. It makes absolutely no sense to have the students for three or four days and then have a long weekend. Most of the students are not present the Friday before Labor Day and often are absent the day after. Please bring the school year where it used to be

By: Linda Cassell

Linda Cassell — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 16:45:04 +0000

Please, Please Governor Hogan… have schools start after Labor Day. My son is a lifeguard and will not be able to do the job this summer if Montgomery County makes us start mid August. I am an esl teacher and many of my students are coming from overseas and the families have a hard time getting settled by the start of school. Finally, summer is summer and our kids need time with families to vacation, not be stuck in hot classrooms or on playgrounds. Please stick to your plan and have school start after Labor Day. Thank you for doing this. A concerned teacher and parent.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 13:08:30 +0000

In reply to Ann Baker.

I wondered if they would consider changing the language from “and” to “or” or adding or? 180 actual school days AND/OR a minimum of 1,080 school hours?

Article – Education
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§7–103.
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b), (e), and (f) of this section, each public school under the jurisdiction of a county board:
(1) (i) Shall be open for pupil attendance for at least 180 actual school days and a minimum of 1,080 school hours during a 10–month period in each school year; or
(ii) If normal school attendance is prevented because of conditions described in subsection (b) of this section, shall be open for at least 1,080 hours during a 10–month period;
(2) Shall be open for pupil attendance a minimum of 3 hours during each school day; and
(3) May not be open on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays in order to meet the 180–day or 1,080–hour requirement of this subsection.
(b) (1) If a county board submits a written application to the State Board that describes a demonstrated effort by the county board to comply with subsection (a) of this section, the State Board may permit:
(i) Adjustments in the length of the school year;
(ii) Exceptions from the requirement that the school year be completed within a 10–month period;
(iii) Adjustments in the length of the school day; and
(iv) Schools to be open on holidays.
(2) These adjustments may be granted only if normal school attendance is prevented because of:
(i) Natural disaster;
(ii) Civil disaster; or
(iii) Severe weather conditions.
(3) Education funding from State or local sources may not be reduced if there are less than 180 school days in any year because of an approved application under this subsection.

By: Ann Baker

Ann Baker — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 21:12:47 +0000

In reply to Crystal. Are vacations more important than education?