NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- There's a new push to delay the first day of school.

"As school starts earlier and earlier every year, I think more interest comes about," said Carol Duffin, mother of three. "People are just questioning, 'Why are we starting school so early?'"

Duffin is part of a push to delay the start of school by establishing a new law to keep districts from starting so soon. Not everyone is a fan.

"It's best, I think, for the school boards in each community to make the decision," said Michael Harris, director of schools.

Supporters cite research arguing students who start later perform better on standardized tests while the district saves money.

"Every week we start school closer to Labor Day, there is a cost savings because it's not as hot as the beginning of August," said Duffin.

"We've been on this calendar for several years," said Harris.

Many opponents have their own supporting statistics, arguing public opinion is on their side. But some, like Harris, will tell you the start date may not really matter at all.

"I think it's what you do in 180 days that's more important than when it is," Harris said.

If a change happens, it might push back the start only two weeks. But for a few people, that's still well worth a lengthy fight.

"I think that the school board would like to hear from parents, but certain issues, they don't want to hear, and I think the school calendar is one of those issues," said Duffin.

You're never going to make everybody happy with a calendar," Harris said.

Lawmakers considered this kind of change twice before, but the bills didn't go anywhere.

There's one in the works, and lawmakers seem willing to consider it. But most supporters acknowledge they'll face resistance every step of the way.

Tennessee isn't the only state considering a change. A handful of states have already voted to push back the first day of school. But several of them have also given districts the chance to opt-out.