All public and charter schools in Michigan will be required to begin the school year after Labor Day, with Governor Jennifer Granholm last week signing legislation to mandate the later starting date in a move to help the state’s tourism industry. Though most northern Michigan schools already start after Labor Day, many downstate schools begin before what is considered the last holiday of summer.

“This will increase my business by 30 percent in August,” said Bill Shepler, owner of Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry. After August 15 each year, his business bottoms out. Mackinaw City is so empty, he said, “You could shoot a cannon down Main Street.”

“This is probably the biggest victory the number-two industry (tourism) in Michigan could receive,” said Mr. Shepler, who anticipates seeing a impact on increased tourism in August 2006, with even greater numbers in 2007, when most schools will be participating in the late start.

Public and charter schools are not required to change their start date until their current teacher contracts have expired. Also, the new law does not apply to universities, year-around public schools, or private schools.

Schools are required by law to schedule students for 1,098 hours in the classroom, and it will be up to the individual schools to determine how those hours will be distributed and whether the school year will be extended or more time will be spent in the classroom each day.

The bill received strong opposition from school boards and teacher unions, who contended they knew what was best for their school districts and sought to keep local control over the school-year calendar.

“We’re ecstatic. It’s going to be great for business here,” said Mary Dufina of the Village Inn restaurants on Mackinac Island and in St. Ignace and Pellston. Mrs. Dufina along with Mr. Shepler, spoke before a Michigan Senate committee this month in support of the legislation. “A lot of people worked long and hard on that and it shows what you can do,” she said.

Starting school after Labor Day will generate an estimated 2,000 new jobs and between $100 million and $200 million in economic activity. The new starting date will allow parents to take longer trips during the extended Labor Day weekend without having their children miss school days.

“This legislation is a great economic tool that will create new job opportunities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula,” Governor Granholm said.

House Bill 4803, was sponsored by Representative Ed Gaffney (R-Grosse Pointe Farms) and, he said, received the support of nearly two-thirds of Michigan voters.

“Schools in northern Michigan have maintained the tradition of starting after Labor Day and continued to excel academically,” State Senator Jason Allen (R-Traverse City) said. “This law will allow Michigan families to enjoy the history, arts and culture of our great state, while providing a much needed boost to our economy.”

The legislation was also supported by Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard).

"Tourism is Michigan's second-largest industry and the leading industry in my district," Representative McDowell said. "This legislation will extend the summer tourism season, allow students to work longer, and will generate much-needed revenue for our area. This is good policy, and a much-needed shot in the arm to Michigan's economy."

The added tourism also will create an estimated $10 million more in tourism-related tax revenue for the state, reported Senator Allen.

“It’s a win-win” said Mr. Shepler. “It’s a no-brainer for what it will give to the state and the industry and the school systems. It’s a windfall.”