A legislative priority in Gov. Bob McDonnell's public education improvement package that would allow local schools to open before Labor Day has failed a major Senate panel vote, a victim of Virginia's monied business and tourism lobbies.

The Senate Education and Health Committee killed the bill Thursday on a 9-6 vote after lobbyists for vacation resorts, amusement parks, beach towns and historical sites along with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce spoke against it.

The tourist attractions augment their staffs with the inexpensive labor of school students during summer vacation season through Labor Day.

Educators, school superintendents and McDonnell's Education Secretary, Laura Fornash, all said the late start most Virginia pupils get puts them at a disadvantage in advanced placement and international baccalaureate testing.

A House version is still alive.