N.C. Senate passes compromise legislation on school calendar law
Legislation represents agreement between tourism industry and school boards
The North Carolina Senate passed SB 754, School Calendar Flexibility: A New Alternative, in a bipartisan 39-7 vote. This legislation allows schools to start one week earlier and provides an enforcement mechanism for schools that ignore the state law.
Background: The current state law, supported by North Carolina’s tourism industry, requires public schools to start in the last week of August, allowing more time during the summer break. School districts in defiance of the state law have been starting school earlier to allow for testing to occur before winter break. This has led to a mess since the current law lacks an enforcement mechanism.
What they are saying:
Senate Leader Phil Berger said, “It’s time for us to put this school calendar debate to rest. Stakeholders have come together to find a workable proposal for students, families, and local businesses. This was no small task, and I’m glad to see this bill pass the Senate with bipartisan support.”
Bill Sponsor Sen. Amy Galey said, “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. That’s why we’ve seen local elected leaders from small and large school districts come out in support of this bill.”
Sen. Michael Lee said, “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. 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.”
Looking forward
The bill now heads to the North Carolina House, which has historically been more open to school calendar flexibility.
