THE FISCAL impact of Gov. Larry Hogan's mandate to open Maryland public schools after Labor Day won't be known until the end of September, when sales-tax receipts are tallied. Even if — as the Republican governor hoped — there was a boon to Ocean City and other tourist areas in Maryland, the question that must be addressed is "At what cost?" Extending the summer caused child-care headaches for many parents, disrupted the operations of local school districts and may well have exacerbated the summer learning loss that is particularly pernicious for low-income students. Maryland should let local officials open schools based on what best serves the needs of their students rather than the dictates of select businesses.

This week's start of classes for most schools in Maryland was the latest in the calendar in more than two decades, the result of a controversial executive order signed last year by Mr. Hogan. Citing benefits to the state's economy, Mr. Hogan mandated that school districts, unless granted a waiver by the state board of education, could not open until after Labor Day and must complete the state-required 180 days of instruction by June 15.

The move, which runs counter to a national push for earlier school starts and additional learning time, forced local districts to compress the school calendar, including cutting back on spring break, reducing the number of built-in snow dates and quashing days set aside for teacher planning and training. Some parents clearly welcomed the extension as a chance for more time and travel with their children. But for many who had to juggle jobs with limited child-care options, it was a hardship. Particularly worrisome were the consequences for children in less-advantaged communities where summer is far from an idyllic retreat.

"By starting school on September 6th, I assure you that some of our students are sitting idle for an extra two weeks instead of learning, and some will go to sleep hungry," said Kevin Maxwell, the chief executive officer of Prince George's County schools. The district, like Montgomery County, was denied its request for an earlier opening.

Because the governor brought about this change by fiat — without real input from those affected — little thought was given to the problems that could result from a condensed calendar with arbitrary deadlines. The Democrat-controlled legislature needs to do more than grumble about the governor's unilateral move; it should return the authority to make this critical decision to local school officials.