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lie schools from opening after Labor <^pay weekend.
Unless the law is renewed, the so-called “King’s Dominion” law will expire June 30, 1988. King’s Dominion, the popular theme park, had lobbied heavily for passage of the biU. * The bill’s chief patron, Del Alson H.Smith Jr. (D-Frederick/Winchester) argued passionately two years ago for adoption of the bill, saying it was essential to the health and well being of Virginia’s tourist industry.
Opening schools before the Labor Day weekend would force stu-' dents to quit their jobs before one of the busiest tourist periods in the state and thus deal a crippling blow to tourism and many local economies, Del. Smith and other supporters argued.
Sen. Waddell, who voted for the bill two years ago, said he’s “re-evaluating” his position and thinks perhaps the decision of when to open public schools should be a local option.
Del. Rollins, Andrews and Plum also think localities should decide the matters for themselves.
The General Assembly also may face the question of whether to give local governments the option qf, deciding if School Boards should be elected, rather than appointed by the courts.
While some say elections would make the process more democratic, critics believe the ballot box will only cheapen it by converting it into a political tool.
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