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WJFW News

Kids Start School a Little Later Because of Tourism Submitted: 09/03/2012

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RHINELANDER - As the holiday weekend wraps up, many families are getting their kids ready for school.

If it seems like your kids are going to school a little later than you did, it's because they are.

Some schools used to start at the end of August, so summer vacation could start by Memorial Day. But 12 years ago the tourism industry got involved.

A state law was passed in 2000 that says public schools couldn't start before September 1st.

Tourism committees lobbied for the law in the legislature. The committees said it was so families could spend as much time as possible together on vacation, but but most understand it as businesses wanted to keep their high school employees through the busy season.

"I know there are a number of students that work in a variety of places around the Northwoods that is affected by the tourism business. So them coming back to school may have a small impact on the businesses where they work." says Rhinelander Principal David Ditzler.

Principal Ditzler says it doesn't really affect the way they structure the school year. They'll always have 175 days of school no matter when they start.

This law covers traditional public schools, so private schools and those on a year-round calendar are exempt.

Story By: Lyndsey Stemm

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Phone App Brings High-Tech to Northwoods Camping Submitted: 05/23/2013

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Trig's Sells $293,000 Badger 5 Ticket Submitted: 05/23/2013

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