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<br /> , ..., <br /> POST-LABOR DAY START OF SCHOOL <br /> . Responsible units of local government are increasingly called upon to: <br /> * make efficient, cooperative use of major public facilities, minimizing expensive "down <br /> time"; and to <br /> * be flexible in decisions, basing them on efficient responses to varying local needs. <br /> Current state law, enacted in 1985, forbids school districts from beginning classes before Labor <br /> Day. This restriction flies in the face of the principles of good governance cited above, as well <br /> as many considerations of child and family well-being, including: <br /> * Students who participate in fall activities often have to begin as much as two or three <br /> weeks before the formal opening of school, often at considerable inconvenience to <br /> themselves and other members of their families. <br /> * The variation in dates for Labor Day means school calendars are very inconsistent from <br /> year to year, resulting in significant inconveniences for students, families, and staff. <br /> * When Labor Day comes late, the end of the school year is pushed far into June, with <br /> resulting problems due to increasingly hot and humid weather, disrupted summer school <br /> . schedules, and conflicts with summer jobs. <br /> * Flexible, extended-year schedules are increasingly needed in order to provide safe, <br /> supervised settings for children whose parents are increasingly unable to be home with <br /> them during the day. <br /> THE SOLUTION: <br /> The Ramsey County League of Local Governments calls upon the Minnesota Legislature to <br /> repeal the mandated post-Labor Day start of school, and to return the decision-malring power <br /> over school calendars to local school districts, who will base them on local conditions, needs, <br /> and resources. <br /> ~ <br /> ------------- <br />