For many, Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer, and for students in Minnesota, that is the law, and this law may inhibit learning and lower test scores.

Minnesota is one of three states in which the first day of school must fall after Labor Day. Some districts manage to get waivers to start earlier, due to construction projects or other special circumstances.

Some districts, such as Edina, received a waiver to begin school early because of construction, but according to Edina superintendent Rick Dressen, the real reason Edina applied for a waiver has nothing to do with building repairs.

By starting school earlier, teachers have more time to prepare students for standardized state tests, as well as tests such as those for Advanced Placement classes. Many educators and school officials, including Dressen, believe students are more focused and productive during August, rather than June, and by starting earlier, schools can end earlier, too.

The law exists to support the local tourist industry. Some businesses, such as resorts, cater to families, and claim that repealing the law would hurt them economically. According to the Minnesota State Fair, about 36 percent of households who attended the fair last year had children. By starting school earlier, the fair could see a significant drop in attendance.

Advocates of the law claim there is little evidence to support the theory that an earlier start to the school year boosts test scores, while opponents claim the economic impact would be minimal.

While both sides lack a strong case, the potential educational benefits of an earlier start outweigh the possible economic drawbacks. While many educational reforms only benefit some students, repealing the law would benefit any district to take advantage of it. Indiscriminate educational reforms are crucial in states such as Minnesota, which has an exceptionally large achievement gap according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Park should stand by its precedent of upholding the law, rather than finding a loophole in it, but the state legislature should repeal the law.