NC H129

School governing boards in public and nonpublic schools may establish their own attendance limits for 2020-2021 graduation and commencement ceremonies in consultation with local health departments, limited only by venue occupancy or fire capacity.

School opening dates may be no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26 and closing dates no later than the Friday closest to June 11, except when school calendars are aligned with community college opening dates, for year-round schools, or for schools operating under modified calendars since 2003-2004.

State Board of Education may waive the August 26 opening date requirement on good cause and allow opening as early as the Monday closest to August 19, defined as schools closed eight days per year during any four of the last 10 years due to severe weather, energy shortages, power failures, or other emergencies.

Local boards may revise closing dates as necessary to comply with minimum instructional days or instructional time requirements.

The act applies only to Rockingham County, Stokes County, and Surry County, effective beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.