NC H79

Allows local boards of education to schedule school opening dates aligned with community college opening dates, rather than the state-mandated Monday closest to August 26.

Permits schools to open no earlier than the opening date of a community college serving the county where the school unit is located, in whole or in part.

Maintains existing provisions allowing the State Board of Education to waive the August 26 requirement for good cause and permit opening dates as early as the Monday closest to August 19.

Exempts schools operating under modified calendars as of the 2003-2004 school year from the opening and closing date requirements.

Effective beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.