NC H71

Permits the Lincoln County Board of Education to align its school calendar with Gaston College's calendar, notwithstanding existing state requirements for opening and closing dates.

Allows Lincoln County Schools to open no earlier than the Monday closest to August 19 (rather than the standard August 26) when necessary to accommodate anticipated makeup days due to school closures.

Enables high school students to participate in dual enrollment programs, Career and College Promise, Career and Technical Education pathways, internships, and apprenticeships through synchronized calendars with the community college.

Allows fall semester exams to be completed prior to winter break and facilitates collaboration between high school and college instructors to better prepare students for postsecondary education.

Effective when the bill becomes law and applies beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, applies only to Lincoln County Schools.