MD Comptroller Franchot to Host Rally for Starting School After Labor Day

Please join MD Comptroller Peter Franchot Thursday, August 21 at noon at Lakeside Creamery on 219 at a rally and petition drive to show your support for a Post Labor Day start for Maryland Schools.

Moving the start back 5-10 days could have a tremendous economic impact and has been proven to have no correlation with test scores. The Comptroller has strongly advocated for a later school start, citing among other reasons, a state Bureau of Revenue Estimates report from last August that found the move could generate $74.3 million in direct economic activity throughout the state, including $3.7 million in new wages and a separate $7.7 million in state and local revenue. Our students would still attend class for the required 180 instructional days. After a year-long study, a statewide task force appointed by the Governor voted overwhelmingly, 11-4, in favor of a post Labor Day start for Maryland schools. We are hopeful that legislation will be passed during the 2015 session of the Maryland General Assembly.

Copies of the task force report, economic impact study and the Chamber's issue paper can be found on our website.

Please join us and sign the petition on August 21. In addition, the Chamber has several copies of the petition that can be delivered to your business for you to encourage your employees and your guests to sign. We also encourage you to place a message of support on your business marquee or digital sign on August 21 for the Comptroller’s visit.