NC H258

Permits local boards of education to set school opening and closing dates for their schools, removing the previous requirement that opening dates be no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26.

Requires the opening date for students to be no earlier than August 15 and mandates that first semester examinations be given before winter break.

Allows local boards to align school opening and closing dates with community colleges serving their city or county.

Removes provisions allowing the State Board of Education to grant waivers for early opening dates based on severe weather history and eliminates special provisions for modified calendar schools.

Effective beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.