Superintendent Michael Soltman has proposed that district schools start on Sept. 1 this fall — the Wednesday before Labor Day weekend.

The holiday is late this year, and starting school before it would enable students and teachers to ease into the school year, with three days the first week and four days the next. It would also ensure two weeks off for winter break and beginning summer vacation by the third week of June, according to Soltman.

Kristine Nelson, head of the Vashon teacher’s union, said she believes the Sept. 1 start date is reasonable, given the timing of Labor Day this year. She also noted that the union and administration hope to create a perpetual calendar to avoid the “yearly shuffle.”

Laura Wishik, president of the school board, said she expects the board will approve the Sept. 1 start date.