On August 31, Governor Larry Hogan ordered all public schools in the state of Maryland to start school after Labor Day, beginning in the 2017-2018 school year. He argues that the policy will be good for businesses, families, and the environment, as schools would not have to use air conditioning in August.

Math teacher Ms. Eileen Lloyd said that as a professional she feels the structure of the school year should be of concern. “It’s possible that this could make it more difficult to get through the curriculum,” she explained. However, Ms. Lloyd also said she believes that the policy would be good for the personal lives of students and teachers. “Personally, it’s great. People work too much and need more time to relax.”

English teacher Ms. Abigail Holtz held a sentiment similar to Ms. Lloyd’s, saying that from a “selfish point of view,” she would personally enjoy having a longer summer. Ms. Holtz, however, did acknowledge why some people would be against the policy, and said that “Lower-income kids would be the ones most negatively affected.” This issue is often one of the most discussed in regard to the policy, as low-income children are already more likely to struggle in school compared to their middle-class and upper-middle-class peers. When this policy is enacted, some argue, these struggling students would have lost valuable class time they would need to catch up.

Sophomore Jai-la Harrison said that she personally wouldn’t be affected at all. “I participate in educational activities during the summer. I like to keep my mind going even when I’m not in school,” she explained. Freshman Olive Muller said that she thinks that other kids would be affected negatively but wouldn’t mind the policy personally. “I’m encouraged by my parents not to get out of practice, so I guess I wouldn’t be impacted much by this.”

Schools across Maryland will begin opening their doors to students after Labor Day next autumn. However, according to the Washington Post, Montgomery County has now sought a waiver from the mandate.