In an effort to boost Michigan’s tourism industry, Governor Granholm signed legislation last month that will give Oxford students more time to enjoy a couple more weeks in the sun.
The legislation requires all Michigan schools to begin the next school year after Labor Day instead of starting at the end of August.
According to the state of Michigan’s website, Granholm said the bill will not negatively impact the education of children since it does not impact the amount of time required in the classroom.
By students starting later, it would allow more time for traveling and vacationing, therefor helping tourism in Michigan.
Although the bill requires all Michigan schools to start after Labor Day for the next school year, Oxford School’s Superintendent Virginia Brennan-Kyro said there are some schools who will not have to change right away.
‘It stipulates that those districts that are in the middle of a contract do not have to implement this law for next year,? she said. ‘Oxford will because our contract with our teacher’s association is through June of 2006.?
The last time school in Oxford started after Labor Day was in 1998 and was due to construction reasons. Prior to 1998, the after Labor Day start hadn’t happened since 1990.
Kyro said she believes the students education won’t be hurt by the post Labor Day start because there isn’t a 180-day requirement anymore for kids to be in school.
‘When the bad ice storm hit a few years ago, the legislation suspended the day requirement because so many districts exceeded their number of snow days,? Kyro said. ‘Technically we no longer have a day requirement but we still have the hour requirements.?
Michigan law requires students to attend 1,098 hours of instruction’no matter how many days it takes.
Local school districts are responsible for determining their school calendar and adjusting the school day as necessary.
Besides getting a couple extra weeks of summer vacation, Kryo said the late start will also benefit teachers.
‘It does gives us some time to provide professional development for our teachers,? Kyro said. ‘If the teachers are up to date in terms of training that also helps them better prepare for the students.?