The idea of potentially starting school 3 weeks early has created a fair amount of controversy.

Tuesday the Bay County School Board held an open meeting at the Nelson Building so people could voice their concerns. Several business owners, students and residents attended the meeting and shared their issues with the change. This year school started on August 24th, but with the new proposed date--students will start on August 4th. School officials say the change would allow more time to prepare for the F-CAT, it would end the fall semester before Christmas break and would help some students enter college in January.

Many business owners and members of the Tourist Development Council believe the early start date would have a negative impact on the tourism industry. In addition, negatively affect those seniors who have maximized college level courses during high school, and are ready to graduate and begin college.

"It's really a balancing act. Do we do what's good for business owners, or students? We need to make a compromise and do what's best for our students," said Bay Dist. Superintendent Bill Husfelt.

Among the students attending the meeting were two Bay High Seniors. "It just makes it so much harder because we have to choose , do we want to go to college in march, or do we just stay in school? I'm ready to get out so please change it. While another Senior said, " "With the later start it's delaying our future and our plans..."

Tourist Development Council's Executive Director, Dan Rowe asked the panel to reconsider the options as a successful economic climate depends on tourists. "We here at the TDC felt we had to come out today and ask that you study this issue further, and come up with a compromise position that will help with the education of our kids but protect our number one industry."

While the main goal for the school board is to do what is best for the students---board members all agreed in favor of taking the early-start back to committee pending further discussion. All members were very adamant about making a fair and balanced compromise for all parties involved. A final decision is expected by December 9th.