News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Students and parents stand outside Ella White Elementary after school on Wednesday.

ALPENA — Districts across the state are gearing up for the start of the school year. Many have already had their first day, including Alpena Public Schools, but others do not start until after Labor Day.

In 2005, former Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation requiring all school districts in Michigan to begin the school year after Labor Day. The law’s intent was to boost the tourism industry in Michigan, according to a press release.

Under that law, districts are able to apply for waivers to begin school before Labor Day. Today, the majority of districts in Michigan choose to apply for a waiver. Some educational service districts, like the Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District, apply for a waiver for all districts in their service area.

APS Superintendent Dave Rabbideau said that starting before Labor Day helps the district to balance the number of days in the school year.

The primary reason for starting school before labor day, AMA ESD Superintendent Justin Gluesing said, is to align district schedules with community college and university schedules for districts that offer Early Middle College and Dual Enrollment programs.

The ESD has to apply for a waiver every three years. This school year is their second in that three-year term, Gluesing said.

Starting school prior to Labor Day weekend allows schools to adjust before the school year gets underway.

“The shorter weeks on either side of that weekend allow schools to get started and make some adjustments without getting too far into the year,” Gluesing said.

That time period allows districts to review class sizes, facility and furniture needs, and busing schedules before the first five-day week hits.

Atlanta Community Schools, Alcona Community Schools, and Hillman Community Schools all fall under the AMA ESD and start before Labor Day.

Posen Consolidated Schools, Onaway Area Community School District, and Rogers City Area Schools start school after Labor Day.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.