Legislators say late school start costs state

HARRISBURG - A study released by the state legislature this week says Pennsylvania’s economy is losing millions due to the school year’s beginning prior to the traditional end of summer, Labor Day weekend. Critics of early school starts say summer workers are forced to leave jobs sooner and vacation and recreational spending is reduced. Legislators are considering a bill that would force districts to begin after Labor Day. The study reported 64 percent of 1,000 Pennsylvanians polled and expressing an opinion favored a post Labor Day start. According to the study, Pennsylvania’s economy, this year lost $75.6 million for each weekday that school started prior to Labor Day. While a 180-day calendar is law, some districts began earlier in the 1970’s, after days were lost in unusually severe winters. To see the full text of the report, go to http://lbfc.legis.state.pa.us/.