EDITORIAL: Post-Labor Day school start deserves consideration

It may not sound like a big deal on the surface, but a relatively uniform start date after Labor Day could have scheduling benefits for families and financial benefits for the state and its tourism industry.

Proponents of the bill, from a tourism standpoint, lament the mid-August starts of many state school districts as cutting into some of the prime weather and activity months.

Minnesota has a law preventing school districts from beginning school before Labor Day. It's largely so the Minnesota State Fair, one of the state's most popular family events and tourism draws, can attract as many people as possible.

Children in school around those times can't attend the fair without skipping important instruction.

Under the Indiana Senate bill, the new school-start requirements would take effect in the 2019-2020 school year, preventing schools from beginning prior to the Tuesday after the first Monday in September.

This still provides some post-Labor Day scheduling flexibility while promoting a measure of uniformity. Meanwhile, many Hoosier public school children and their families would be able to continue planning family vacations, events and trips to the state's tourism attractions for an extended period.

Perhaps the Indiana State Fair, which has struggled in attendance, could attract more families with a later school start date.

Region beaches and nearby businesses could experience a longer prime season as well.

Past attempts to pass a post-Labor Day school start haven't gained traction in the Indiana Legislature.

This can and should be the year.