Even if Governor Tony Evers allows it, do not expect area schools to start before September 1st. For over 20 years, it has been state law for school districts to start after September 1st partly because of Wisconsin’s tourism industry. Governor Evers suggested last week that schools could start their academic years sooner and bolster their summer school offerings to make up for almost a year of virtual learning. Destination Door County CEO Jack Moneypenny says virtual or not, schools have been in session nearly the entire time. He added that local businesses would not just be losing workers if school started earlier, but potentially revenue too.

Sturgeon Bay Schools Superintendent Dan Tjernagel does not foresee many local districts adjusting their start dates. In addition to noting the importance of the local tourism economy, Tjernagel also told DoorCountyDailyNews.com most districts were able to hold at least some in-person offerings every day of the school year while others just recently started coming back to the classroom this month. The Wisconsin Legislature would have to approve the change before schools in the state would be allowed to move their date ahead of September 1st. Sevastopol was a recent exception to the rule due to their ongoing construction project.