What do you think?

On August 31, Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order that will require Maryland’s public schools to start classes after Labor Day, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. Citing the benefits of a post-Labor Day school start for families, students, teachers, and the economy, the governor made the announcement on the Ocean City Boardwalk, where he was joined by Comptroller Peter Franchot, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, Senator James Mathias, Delegate Mary Beth Carozza, education advocates, and other longtime supporters of a post-Labor Day school start.

“Starting Maryland public schools after Labor Day is not just a family issue – it’s an economic and public safety issue that draws clear, strong, bipartisan support among an overwhelming majority of Marylanders,” said Governor Hogan.

“Comptroller Franchot and I believe, and the people of Maryland strongly agree, that this Executive Order puts the best interests of Marylanders first, especially the well-being of our students. This action is long overdue, and it is simply the right thing to do.”

“I applaud Governor Hogan for signing today’s executive order,” said Comptroller Franchot. “This sensible, long-overdue adjustment of Maryland’s public school calendar will be a lifeline for those small, locally-owned businesses that are the backbone of our state’s economy and have struggled in the midst of the slowest economic recovery in our nation’s history. It will generate new state revenues that can be reinvested in our classrooms and for other vital priorities.

“And finally, it will give families throughout our state time to enjoy those final days of summer the way they were meant to be enjoyed…As a father myself, I know that kids grow up far too fast and the time that families have together, in this day and age, goes by in an instant. The action taken today by Governor Hogan will give our families the priceless gift of time, and for that I am personally grateful.”

So, The Equiery wants to know…

What do you think about starting school after Labor Day?

How will this affect your…

…lesson barn?

…summer camp?

…clients’ competition schedule?

…family or personal competition schedule?

…ability to participate in county or state fairs?

…ability to provide projects for summer interns?

…retail business?

And do you think starting school after Labor Day will have a negative or a positive impact on the education of our children and teenagers?