Both Fayette County Superintendent John DeCotis and State School Superintendent

Kathy Cox say they are opposed to an effort to mandate a later start date

for Georgia schools.

Urged by parent groups, momentum is building among some state lawmakers

to consider legislation that would encourage school districts statewide to

abide by a "universal start date" in late August.

A rally in support of the proposal at the state Capitol last week drew several

supporters, who say delaying the start of school to nearer the Labor Day

weekend would restore summer vacation time to families and impact the state's

tourism industry by more than $2 billion annually.

Many of metro Atlanta's biggest attractions, like Six Flags and Whitewater,

have to end their seasons early because teen employees go