The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board of education voted Tuesday to push back the first day of classes until later in August, extending summer break.

The nation’s second-largest district, under a compromise plan presented by Superintendent Michelle King, voted 5-2 to gradually start school later in August, but before Labor Day in September.

Classes were approved to begin on Aug. 22, 2017 and on Aug. 28 in 2018.

“I have heard from my constituents and have reviewed the data, and I am supportive of the superintendent’s compromise to revise the instructional calendar to begin later in August while ending the semester before winter break,” said board member Dr. Ref Rodriguez. “It is important that we ensure that our district provides our high school students with meaningful opportunities to recover courses during break periods in order to be prepared for college, career, and life.”

Board member Scott Schmerelson said the move addresses instructional needs of Los Angeles high school students, the health and safety of children and the summer planning concerns of parents and families.

“This later starting school year, phased-in over the next two years, is a tribute to the ability of the majority of my colleagues to work collaboratively with each other and our superintendent to best serve our L.A. Unified community,” Schmerelson said.

Board member Dr. Richard Vladovic also supported the change.

“This plan will give us the best of all solutions: meet the needs of our parent’s busy schedules, maintain our ability to perform credit recovery over the winter break, and keep our schedule as much as possible away from the hottest portions of the year,” Vladovic said.