In Virginia, Roller Coasters Trump Reading

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WTOP reports today that a Virginia Senate committee voted against a proposal that would allow public schools in the commonwealth to open before Labor Day, again deferring to the amusement park lobby that insists that the extra weeks of summer vacation are a boon to Virginia's tourism industry.

Last year we wrote of what's known as the Kings Dominion law, which dates back to 1986 and has hamstrung school districts that want to open before Labor Day. The law puts Virginia in the company of only Michigan in terms of the states that start school after Labor Day.

Gov. Bob McDonnell supported a change to the law -- one of many that have been attempted over the years -- but was unable to overcome to power of the tourism lobby, who argues that they stand to lose up to $1 billion in revenue. Many students and educators counter that they can't get through all the material needed to remain competitive nationally:

Educators, school superintendents, local school boards and McDonnell's Education Secretary, Laura Fornash, spoke in favor of the bill, noting that the late start most Virginia pupils get puts them at a disadvantage in advanced placement and international baccalaureate testing.

Dana Raphael, 16, a junior honors student at Arlington's Washington-Lee High School, told the committee that starting in September sets her and her classmates back. "Unfortunately, my class was not able to get through all the material," she said.

Four related bill are still up for consideration in the House of Delegates, but if history is any guide, they likely won't move far.