NC H396

Allows Kannapolis City Schools and Cabarrus County Schools to begin the school year no earlier than Monday closest to August 10 (instead of August 26) to accommodate additional instructional days for pandemic learning loss recovery.

Permits fall semesters ending prior to December 31 to administer final exams and annual assessments within the final 5 instructional days, matching semester course requirements.

Removes the requirement for State Board of Education to demonstrate "good cause" (8 days of school closures in 4 of the last 10 years) for these two school systems to adjust opening dates.

Applies only to Kannapolis City Schools and Cabarrus County Schools beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.