Even though state lawmakers are considering moving the start of the school year to after Labor Day, not all school officials are on board. Gwinnett County Public Schools, the state's largest district, contends that decision should be left up to the individual school system.
“We believe local school districts and their communities should have the opportunity to determine their school calendar. In Gwinnett, our calendar balances the preferences of stakeholders with what is best instructionally for students,” said Gwinnett schools spokeswoman Sloan Roach.
A senate study committee is looking at the state overall, but there’s no word if it will be tasked to recommend a mandate. Gov. Nathan Deal appointed state Sen. Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega to head the committee.
“Our public school started July the 30th I believe this year,” Gooch told News Channel 2. As the father of three school-aged boys, he will look at that statewide school calendar and see if it makes more sense to have schools start after Labor Day, the way it used to be.
An informal poll conducted by the television station showed that 70 percent of respondents favored starting school after Labor Day.
Snellville parent Antonio Turnbough agrees with the poll.
“It doesn’t make sense,” he said. “When we were kids summer lasted until after Labor Day. It’s hot until October.”
Gooch said the committee won’t work in a vacuum, it will seek input from parents, business leaders, school administrators, teachers and community stakeholders.
“Everybody’s opinion is important to us,” he said.
As of right now, local school districts determine when classes will start. Gooch said he supports local districts having local control but thinks state lawmakers should have some input.
With nearly 185,000 students estimated to attend Gwinnett schools this year, many factors are weighed when setting the calendar.
“Our focus is on making the most of the 180 days we have with students. It is important to remember that if the start date changes it will impact other dates within the calendar including breaks and when the school year ends,” said Roach. “In Gwinnett, our calendar is set for the 2019-2020 school year and is similar to the current year's calendar.”
