WASHINGTON – Across Virginia, there is growing interest in school calendars that would do away with the traditional model and have students attend classes throughout the year.
Instead of an extended summer vacation, students would be given more, shorter breaks.
Supporters believe it would provide students more consistency and allow them to better retain knowledge, but opponents point to a broader picture, one that involves state coffers.
“I have not been a supporter of year-round schools in the past,” said Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe in an interview with WTOP Wednesday.
One of the governor’s chief concerns involves Virginia’s tourism industry.
With a year-round school calendar, families may be less inclined to travel and participate in tourism and entertainment activities across the state.
“Tourism one of our biggest industries. It’s a $21.5 billion industry,” said McAuliffe.
This has been a long-standing priority across Virginia.
Under the state’s “King’s Dominion Law,” which was passed in 1986, school systems are required to start classes after Labor Day so families have more time to spend money on tourism at the end of summer.
School districts can get around the policy by obtaining a waiver, something the governor says he is always willing to discuss.
“In certain communities, if there are needs to go year-round for specific schools, of course, I’m open to looking at that,” McAuliffe explained.
Several school systems throughout Virginia are taking a close look at potentially switching to a year-round calendar.
In October, Manassas Park was awarded a $50,000 grant to study the idea.
Parents, students and teachers in Manassas Park have been meeting publicly this week, discussing the possible benefits and drawbacks of such a change.
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