STROUDSBURG - Historically most schools in the Pocono Mountains (Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties) and throughout much of the Commonwealth did not start the school year until after Labor Day, particularly when the holiday fell on September 1, 2 or 3.

“This represents a unique opportunity to return to the historic norm for school opening after Labor Day, as in the case for the next three years”, says a statement released by the Pocono Mountain Vacation Bureau.

Public school districts throughout the Pocono Mountains region are being requested to wait until after Labor Day to start classes for the next three consecutive years. This request is being made in support of the challenged business community throughout the region.

“Beyond the favorability of the calendar, there are both important economic and social reasons for moving the opening day of school to after Labor Day, as already in progress by the Wallenpaupack Area School District”, the PMVB notes.

A 2006 study done by the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee  and contracted by the research firm of Tripp Umbach showed that starting schools before Labor Day:

• Had a $378 million* negative economic impact on the Commonwealth. This is unrealized spending by residents and non-residents alike.
• Costs 2,348 jobs*.
• Equated to a loss of $17.7 million* in state tax revenue.
• Students and teachers lost $45.6 million* in the inability to work a summer job during the last week of August. This also includes bonuses often provided by employers to employees who work the entire summer season.
• An energy savings of more than $100 million* would be derived as the cost for heating/cooling buildings is less expensive in June than in August.

*Statistics taken in 2012 would be substantially higher.