The Pennsylvania General Assembly and Gov. Ed Rendell should reject a proposal to mandate that all Pennsylvania schools begin classes after Labor Day, in an attempt to benefit the state's tourism industry.

Winter weather realities in the commonwealth necessitate the flexibility that beginning classes in late August offers. Also, many educators believe that students' attention level decreases when classes must be conducted deep into the month of June.

Even when classes begin in late August, there are years when severe weather necessitates weeks of makeup days tacked onto the end of the school year.

School districts are required to complete classes by June 30.

In response to tourism officials' requests, state Rep. Robert Godshall, R-Montgomery, has sponsored a bill that would mandate that school begin no earlier than Labor Day. That measure should be left to die, before ever reaching the House floor for a vote.

But if it is voted upon, it should be soundly defeated.

Instead of disrupting school districts' start-date plans, tourism officials should find other ways to attract more business before classes begin.

Schools have no power in regard to how tourism attractions conduct their operations. Thus, tourism officials should not try to influence how the public schools operate.

This issue should be an easy "no" vote for the legislature.