school start

If one Delaware lawmaker has his way school in the state would start after Labor Day.

State Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker told WRDE that he believed that businesses in the First State would benefit from such a delay.

The Delaware Republican said that the first effort was able to get past the Senate but then failed as time ran out for the session.

The Maryland Comptroller’s office has a new study which find that starting school after Labor Day generates significant additional economic activity.

The study found that the net economic impact for the additional six days of summer brought in $58 million dollars.

But the benefit could jump to $115 million for 12 days depending when Labor Day falls on the calendar.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Gov. Larry Hogan has vetoed a measure to raise Maryland's minimum wage to $15, as well as a measure to give local school boards the ability to decide whether school starts before or after Labor Day.

The Republican governor announced the vetoes on Wednesday. He also vetoed a bill that would remove regulatory authority over alcohol, tobacco and gasoline from the Maryland comptroller's office.

Hogan says the minimum wage increase would hurt the state's economy. He says the other two bills are "politically motivated legislation." 

(AP) The Maryland General Assembly has given final approval to a measure to let local school boards decide when school starts.

A final vote by the Senate on Monday sends the measure to Gov. Larry Hogan, who has opposed the bill. The House and Senate passed the measure with enough votes to override a veto by the governor.

Hogan signed an executive order in 2016 to require schools to start after Labor Day.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The Maryland Senate has voted to enable local school boards to decide when public schools start.

Senators voted 31-13 for the bill Tuesday. It now goes to the House.

The measure in the Democrat-controlled General Assembly has prompted a battle with Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who signed an executive order in 2016 requiring schools to start after Labor Day. 

Supporters of the later start say longer summer breaks give families more time together and help tourism. But opponents say it shortchanges education.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A vote is near on a measure to enable local school boards in Maryland to decide when public schools start.

The Maryland Senate could vote as soon as Tuesday on a bill.

The measure in the Democrat-controlled General Assembly has prompted a battle with Republican Gov. Larry Hogan.

The governor signed an executive order in 2016 requiring schools to start after Labor Day. 

The Wicomico County School Board is seeking input from residents on starting the school year after Labor Day among issues.

And they have until the Friday deadline.

Earlier this year Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order directing school districts to do just that and to end the year on June 15th.

The governor said he believed that a longer summer recess would provide more time for families to be together as well more business for the tourist industry.

The school board can seek a waiver from the early start date.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) - A Maryland State School Board member has quit following Gov. Larry Hogan's executive order requiring schools to start after Labor Day.

Local news organizations report that University of Maryland professor James Gates resigned Tuesday, saying the order has the potential to damage students in Maryland. He also suggested that Hogan's order challenges the independence of the board.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Gov. Larry Hogan has revised an executive order on requiring public schools to start after Labor Day.

The revised order issued Tuesday adds details on how schools can apply for waivers.

It also requires local school boards to hold a public meeting where the waiver application is considered and approved.

The governor's initial order allowed for waivers with "compelling justification." The revised order elaborates on what qualifies. That includes waivers for an innovative school schedule for certain low-performing schools or at-risk schools.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A new poll has found that while 54 percent of Maryland residents say an executive order should be used "rarely or never," 67 percent approved of Gov. Larry Hogan using one to start schools after Labor Day.

The poll by Goucher College was released Monday.

The Republican governor announced the executive order on Aug. 31 for next year's school start. Democrats who control the legislature have criticized the use of executive order to make the change.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order Wednesday to start Maryland public schools after Labor Day.

As he stood on the boardwalk in Ocean City Hogan said that this would help extend the tourist season for Marylanders and local businesses.

In addition, he said that it would help schools avoid the hot weather of August – especially for those without air conditioning and would save on energy costs.

The change is set to take effect next year. It requires public schools to complete the 180 days required under state law.

DOVER, Del. (AP) - A state task force set up to consider the feasibility of starting school after Labor Day is wrapping up its work.

Members of the task force were to vote Wednesday on whether to recommend whether state officials should delay the annual school starting date.

The task force was formed after state lawmakers passed a resolution last year calling for a study of the issue.

The resolution suggests that starting school after Labor Day could provide an economic boost to Delaware by extending the summer beach tourism season.