The Edina school board this week took a preliminary step toward approving a pre-Labor Day start date for the 2015-2016 school year.

The school board approved the framework of a plan that will ultimately shape the calendar for the next school year. That framework includes a pre-Labor Day start per an administrative recommendation.

Now, that proposal will go to a committee for its consideration before coming back to the school board for final approval, expected sometime in November or December. In the meantime, the district will be surveying students, staff and parents about what they'd like to see included in the 2015-2016 calendar.

Typically, the board would ultimately approve a two-year school calendar. This year, however, the board will approve a one-year calendar.

"We are in the midst of several key studies and initiatives that may influence what the learning year calendar should look like for 2016-17 and beyond," said Superintendent Ric Dressen.

This year, both Edina and Minneapolis started school before Labor Day. Most other districts in the Twin Cities area resumed classes after the holiday.

Edina Superintendent Ric Dressen

Minnesota is one of three states that mandate the post-Labor Day start, exempting districts if they submit a waiver for learning-related reasons such as a four-day school week or needing an early jump on spring construction projects of $400,000 or more -- the reason Edina cited this year.

The perennial debate often is controversial for school boards, though, pitting them against parents who want to preserve family time and tourism industry leaders who say the August start will cut into prime resort traffic and State Fair attendance.

At Edina's school board meeting this week, a parent did present a petition calling for the school calendar to include a post-Labor Day start. Last year, a similar petition was circulated.