Kings Dominion law’ likely to live on, leaving first day of school after Labor Day. (Fairfax: school districts, law)

[kutra11]

Kings Dominion law likely to live on in Va., leaving first day of school after Labor Day - Virginia Politics - The Washington Post

[choff5]

Originally Posted by kutra11

Kings Dominion law likely to live on in Va., leaving first day of school after Labor Day - Virginia Politics - The Washington Post

Yes, once again tourism takes priority over education. I don't even want to get into a debate again about when to start but when over half the schools in the Commonwealth already have waivers to it I have a real problem with this bowing to the tourism lobbyist.

[car54]

Originally Posted by choff5

Yes, once again tourism takes priority over education.

No, money takes priority over EVERYTHING.

[Smoke_Jaguar4]

Technically, the committee voted to pass it by (ie, not consider it). In typical political fashion, a yea means you're opposed to considering it, a nay means you want to open debate.

Here are the votes:
YEAS--Martin, Lucas, Newman, Barker, Northam, Miller, J.C., McWaters, Black, Carrico--9.
NAYS--Saslaw, Howell, Blevins, Locke, Smith, Garrett--6.

[Caladium]

It's not really a big deal though since school districts can get exceptions and start before Labor Day if they want to, and many of them do.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by Caladium

It's not really a big deal though since school districts can get exceptions and start before Labor Day if they want to, and many of them do.

Only if they qualify. Fairfax never does.

[hilsmom]

what are the qualifications to get the waiver? Fascinating.

I find it ridiculous when more than half the districts are allowed to opt out - what is the point of having this on the books, then?

[choff5]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

Only if they qualify. Fairfax never does.

True. I was told once that Fairfax would not get one as it is considered an urban, or maybe it was suburban, area and therefore did not need it.

[CAVA1990]

If kids are going to school 180 days, what difference does it make when they start? Is there something better about getting more of June off than August?

[cdmurphy]

Originally Posted by hilsmom

what are the qualifications to get the waiver? Fascinating.

I find it ridiculous when more than half the districts are allowed to opt out - what is the point of having this on the books, then?

To qualify for the waiver, a school district must "have been closed an average of eight days per year during any five of the last 10 years because of severe weather conditions, energy shortages, power failures, or other emergency situations." For the current school year, Loudoun County is the only Northern Virginia district that qualified.