Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
— OAKLAND — During a Line at the Lake event, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot spoke to members of the Chamber of Commerce, local legislators and officials about an initiative that he is seeking to reconvene schools statewide after Labor Day.
The initiative will help Maryland families, small businesses and students, who can make a little extra money for back-to-school expenses, Franchot said.
The criticism of the initiative is that school would have to run later in June. Franchot stressed that school would still be completed by June 10 if it started after Labor Day, still allowing 180 instructional days.
“We just have to interject a little common sense, a little old-fashioned values, a little bit of concern for our small business community and an interest in our kids being able to earn a little bit more money,” said Franchot, during the event at the Lakeside Creamery on Monday. “I contend that the kids would be smarter academically because they have better quality time during the summer.”
Franchot held the Line at the Lake event because Bill Meagher, owner of the Lakeside Creamery brought the issue to his attention.
“I feel very passionately about this issue that (Meagher) introduced to me,” said Franchot. “The reason I am so passionate about this is because of families. When I was a kid, starting school before Labor Day was un-American. So, we started this statewide conversation and I think it’s going to pick up a lot of traction.”
The statewide conversation is a win-win for both small communities and the tourism business in the state, as both are dependent on the summer season for their profits, said Franchot.
Meagher echoed Franchot’s sentiments, adding that August is traditionally the best month for tourism.
First Vice Chairman of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Phil Rodeheaver of My Bank First United Bank & Trust stressed the importance of the initiative for the chamber.
The Chamber of Commerce plays a two-part role in the county, supporting both tourism and the business community, Rodeheaver said.
“This initiative picks up both of those and runs with them,” said Rodeheaver.
He said the school calendar change needs to be a state-run initiative.
“We are blessed to have one of the best school systems in the state, as well as the nation. I have no concern about the quality of education that my children will receive here in Garrett County. This change will precipitate benefits for both the tourism industry as well as the business community,” said Rodeheaver.
There are thousands of businesses that could benefit from the initiative, Franchot said.
Franchot will be asking for legislation to be submitted next year to standardize the change in the school calendar.
“I believe we will get a great response around the state. If all of you could pitch in and help us out and keep that conversation going,” said Franchot. “We will have a good conclusion.”
Chairman Jim Raley offered his support of Franchot’s initiative.
“I will do anything in my power — having been an educator — to work with state organizations to figure out some way to try to make this thing work for the whole state of Maryland,” said Raley.
Delegate Wendell Beitzel thanked Franchot for his thoughts.
“As you know, we are struggling up here, the ski area is having difficulty, the paper mill is having difficulty and businesses are really slow,” said Beitzel.
“We appreciate what you are doing to help businesses out here. You understand the needs of our business people, particulary the tourist area of the state. You understand what tourism means to the state of Maryland.”
Mike McKay, Allegany County commissioner, said there was a direct correlation between the economic climate of Garrett County and Allegany County.
“What is good for Garrett County is great for Allegany County,” said McKay.
Meagher echoed McKay’s sentiments. He said the school schedule had a ripple effect on the entire state, affecting all budgets in regard to the accommodation tax, sales taxes, rental taxes and home sales.
The problem with the state school calendar is its complexity, said Raley.
“One of the things that we need to look at is the archaic process that we have in the school calendar and try to figure out a way to make it work in Maryland. Especially since Maryland is the home of many pockets of tourism activities.”
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com
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