NC Senate bill would add flexibility to school calendars

Leaders in the North Carolina Senate are running a bill that aims to grant local public school districts increased flexibility in setting their school calendars, while placing stricter penalties on those that defy state law.

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 754, was filed by was filed by Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, alongside Sens. Amy Galey, R-Alamance, and Michael Lee, R-New Hanover

Under the current school calendar law, districts must start their school year no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26 and end no later than the Friday closest to June 11. The new bill would provide an alternative option, allowing schools to begin the year as early as the Monday closest to August 19 and end by the Friday before the last Monday in May.

The proposal doesn’t aim to overhaul the current system but instead creates a middle ground for districts seeking greater flexibility. At the same time, it introduces mechanisms to hold districts accountable if they violate calendar laws altogether.

“This balances the desire of some school districts to start the school year earlier while still supporting our local businesses dependent on summer tourism,” said Berger in a statement.

“This bill is the culmination of good-faith efforts from stakeholders and legislators,” said Galey. “With the evolution of the school choice landscape, as well as North Carolina becoming the fifth most popular state for travel and tourism, it’s time to update and adapt our school calendar law.”

As for enforcement mechanisms, the bill mandates that NC’s superintendent of public instruction report any violations of the calendar law to the State Board of Education. If a district is found in violation, the Board will direct the district to remedy the situation. Districts that fail to comply risk losing central office funding until corrections are made.

The proposal also allows community members — including residents and business owners within a district — to file civil actions against local school boards that disregard the law.

“I’ve heard from school districts across the state that have wanted to adjust their calendar to meet their needs but didn’t want to break the law,” said Lee. “We’re providing an option that addresses their concerns while ensuring compliance.”