I grew up in Florida and yes we had a later start date,however we also ended school the 2nd week of June. You can't have it both ways (Later start date and finish in May). All your going to get more teacher and students taking sick days and or personal days to handle appointments and other necessary responsibilities. With the balanced calendar we were able to take care of these things without costing the system substitute pay or risking a below average attendance record which could impact a school's AYP. It is not just about vacations.
P.S. If Six Flags believes that they are suffering economicially due to an earlier school start date, they are kidding them selves. I have been to Six Flags recently and they have greater problems than our school schedule. We can not be held responsible for saving a poorly run company that can not offer a product worthy of a return visit. I don't know how they train their staff but it is clear they are not service minded people.

#287: Janet Sweeney - Calendar