NC H553

Authorizes the State Board of Education to establish a school calendar pilot program in Stanly County Schools for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years to determine cost-savings during fiscal crisis through calendar consolidation.

Requires pilot program calendars to maintain minimum of 180 days or 1,000 hours of instruction covering at least nine calendar months, with student opening date no earlier than August 24.

Allows Stanly County Board of Education to add instructional hours to previously scheduled days to meet the 180-day requirement, with teachers compensated as if they worked the additional days.

Requires State Board of Education to report to Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by March 15, 2012 and March 15, 2013 on pilot program administration, cost-savings realized, and impact on student achievement.

Applies only to Stanly County Schools and becomes effective upon enactment.