New Hampshire Lawmakers Debate Bill Requiring Schools To Start After Labor Day

A New Hampshire bill that would require K-12 schools to begin after Labor Day is up for debate at the State House in Concord.

Supporters of Senate Bill 403 said the change in the school starting date could boost local businesses, improve family time, and ease the transition to school in the fall for students.

"We have all these things negative on our business, this would be a positive," said Sen. Bill Gannon, R-Sandown, in a statement shared with News 9. "I think that the time with the family is good, I don't see any long-term harm in starting a day or two, going a day or two later in June."

Opponents, however, warn that starting the school year after Labor Day could clash with school calendars and scheduled activities.

Barrett Christina of the New Hampshire School Boards Association told News 9 that delaying the start of school would create scheduling issues for assessments, such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses and tests. For example, AP Chemistry and AP Physics students would miss instructional days, putting them at a disadvantage when taking the nationwide tests.

If enacted, the measure would take effect in 2027, giving schools across the state time to adjust calendars and planning.