In Virginia’s General Assembly, House Bill No. 15 threatens to upset the long-standing start of the school year for area schools. Currently, the “King’s Dominion Law”, says local schools will not begin the school-year before Labor Day. If this bill survives and becomes law, not only would it have educational implications, but it would also have major financial implications.
Moving up the start of school will not set well with some families who plan the last summer vacation around that weekend. Some families will have to end the vacation early, some will not, and as a result, their children will miss valuable time from school. King’s Dominion is not in favor of passing this (possible) regulatory policy because it threatens to greatly reduce their workforce, in so doing, hitting them in the pocket book.
It would require some time to “sync” calendars with other divisions for a smooth implementation of this new policy. It will be impossible to please everyone with such a major change, especially with the impact it would have on the local economy. The bill could perhaps survive the vacation issue and the calendar changes; however, it will have a difficult time getting over the financial hurdle. Ultimately, the all-mighty dollar will send House Bill No. 15 back to the drawing board until the next General Assembly session.
