(Photo by Jessica)

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan just became a very popular man with schoolchildren across the state. He signed an executive order today mandating that the state’s public schools open after Labor Day, starting in 2017.

“Starting Maryland public schools after Labor Day is not just a family issue—it’s an economic and public safety issue,” Hogan said, citing a 2013 study by Maryland’s Bureau of Revenue Estimates that estimated the later start date could generate $74.3 million in direct economic activity. “This action is long overdue, and it is simply the right thing to do.”

While many states have moved away from a post-Labor Day start for schools, it has been in place in Virginia since the 1986 passage of legislation often dubbed the “Kings Dominion Law” for its benefits to the Doswell theme park along with the rest of the tourism industry. A 2012 effort to overturn the measure failed, despite support from then Governor Bob McDonnell, as legislators came out in favor of the benefits to the economy versus education. Still, a number of school districts around the commonwealth have requested exemptions, including Prince William and Loudoun counties (Fairfax also recently voted in favor of starting before Labor Day in 2017).

In the District, meanwhile, school start dates have gotten pushed back earlier and earlier as the academic year also gets longer—driven by data that shows a significant “summer slide” in education gains.

But back in Ocean City, where Hogan made the announcement, a host of officials argued that the move will benefit kids.

“It will spare tens of thousands of teachers, students, and school employees from having to return to sweltering, unhealthy classrooms in the hottest days of August,” said Comptroller Peter Franchot (whom you may remember from his starring turn as James Bond). “It will give families throughout our state time to enjoy those final days of summer the way they were meant to be enjoyed.”

According to the announcement, local systems can apply annually for a waiver to the later start date “based on compelling justification.”