The state House passed a bill today that would allow schools to start the second Monday in August rather than wait until Aug. 25.
The bill would roll back a 2004 law pushed by the tourism industry, teachers and some parents who were peeved about schools starting in early August. Opponents of the later school-start date have been fighting to change it ever since, reports Lynn Bonner.
The N.C. Association of Educators has switched sides, and now wants districts to be able to start school before August 25.
The 79-39 House vote sent the bill to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future.
Read more after the jump.
–––––
The late-August school start has strong Senate support. Last session, the Senate did not consider a similar proposal that would have allowed schools to start earlier.
The arguments Wednesday followed familiar patterns. Proponents said starting school earlier would allow high school students to take their end of course exams before Christmas break, and align the public school calendar with community college and university schedules.
Opponents said the tax revenue from tourism-related businesses helped pay for school buildings and teachers, that it's too hot in early August for kids to be in school, and that tourism businesses need employees who can work in late summer.
In an attempt to gain more votes, supporters had included a provision that says that no matter when classes start, the school year can only be 42 weeks long.
Blog RSS feed
