If school starts too early in August, it causes problems for many. First, schools without air conditioning can be unbearable sweatboxes in late summer. Second, it almost eliminates the family summer vacation in August. With softball and baseball season taking up June and part of July, it leaves a small window for families to travel together.

An early school start impacts more than just students' families, too. Summer recreation outlets, such as water parks and swimming pools, are forced to close during their prime time because their employees and customers are in school.

However, the other side of the debate starting school after Labor Day is just as tricky. Starting school in September makes it almost impossible to complete the first semester before Christmas break or the school year before Memorial Day.

But does it have to be a pick your poison situation? Does it boil down to either you're going to start early or finish late? There may be a way to get around it.

We would suggest the most logical solution is to split the difference. Hold off on starting classes until Aug. 20, or thereabouts.

Kentucky is considering a law that would prohibit schools from starting classes before the third Monday in August. Eleven other states have laws requiring either a late August or early September start date.

In fact, Grand Island will start school Aug. 19 this year. This will give the schools 82 instructional days first semester and 91 days second semester before school dismisses on May 22.

That almost seems like the best calendar considering all the challenges schools face as far as instructional time. It extends the summer break as far as possible without making it too difficult to get in all the required instructional time.

We're not proposing a state law on school start dates. Local decisions are best. But schools should set Aug. 20 as the target date for starting every year. It may be too early for some, and too late for others. However, that might just make it the right time.