On Tuesday, Sioux Falls voters will decide on whether public schools should start before or after Labor Day. For most of the past decade, the Sioux Falls School District has started classes on the third Monday in August, but members of the parent-led Voice in Local Control believe classes shouldn't begin until after Labor Day. Others say starting earlier is better for students.
A vote "yes" on the measure supports the three years of calendars already approved which begin in mid-to-late August. A vote "no" requires the first day of school after Labor Day each year. Wendy McDonnel of Voice in Local Control and parent Jason Douma, who supports the earlier start date, joined Dakota Midday and discussed the issues in next Tuesday's election.