The North Carolina Senate on April 30 voted through a bill that would give local public school districts increased flexibility in setting their school calendars.
The measure passed with a bipartisan 39-7 vote, with all Republicans supporting and a portion of Democrats against. No members of the Senate spoke against the bill.
Under the current school calendar rules, districts must start the academic year on the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and complete it by the Friday closest to June 11. Senate Bill 754 offers an alternative schedule, allowing schools to begin the year as early as the Monday closest to Aug. 19 and close by the Friday before the last Monday in May.
“This compromise will make a real difference for school districts across the state. It provides school districts with additional flexibility to meet their local needs while also holding them accountable if they openly defy the law,” said state Sen. Amy Galey, R-Alamance, in a statement. “That’s why we’ve seen local elected leaders from small and large school districts come out in support of this bill.”
The measure has enforcement mechanisms. The bill mandates that North Carolina’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.
“It’s time for us to put this school calendar debate to rest,” said state Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, in a statement. “Stakeholders have worked hard to find a workable proposal for students, families, and local businesses. I’m proud to see this bill pass the Senate with bipartisan support.”
“For years, I’ve heard from local education leaders and business owners about the impacts of North Carolina’s school calendar law, and it became clear that there was a pathway to address their concerns,” added state Sen. Mike Lee, R-New Hanover, in a statement. “Senate Bill 754 strikes the right balance between providing an alternative opening date for school districts and supporting our local businesses that rely on summer tourism.”
The measure how heads to the House.
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