Governor Hogan Proposes Referendums on School Start Dates

Earlier this month, the Maryland state senate voted to overturn Governor Larry Hogan’s 2016 executive order regarding school start dates in Maryland. The order mandated that school districts in Maryland begin the year after Labor Day in September and end prior to June 15. Many districts in the state have struggled to meet these new requirements, resulting in fewer holidays and shorter breaks during the year.

In response to the Senate vote, Hogan has proposed the idea of  local ballot measures allowing Maryland voters to decide directly on the solution that works best for them. As reported by the Baltimore Sun, Hogan’s plan would allow individual school districts to pose ballot measures to the general public if they want to start the term before Labor Day.

Hogan has cited 2016 polling from Goucher College indicating that close to 70% of Maryland residents support the later start time in his strong support for his executive order. He argues that the extension of summer break promotes late-season tourism, and provides families with extra vacation time. However, the mandate has drawn criticism primarily from those involved in the education field directly, such as local school boards, teachers, and even many students.

Schools are mandated to be in operation for a total of 180 days minimum, and many districts found it easier in the past to meet these requirements by starting the term in late August.  Since 2016, districts like Montgomery County have found difficulty in structuring calendars around the mandate while still accounting for breaks, religious holidays, professional days for teachers, and emergency weather conditions.

It is far from certain that the issue of school start times will appear on state or county ballots any time soon. However, it is important that Maryland residents begin to examine the issue now, in case the decision ends up in the hands of voters.

Article by MoCo Student staff writer Elliot Davey of Wheaton High School.