H874: School Calendar Flexibility

• Removes the requirement that school opening dates be no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26, allowing local boards of education to set opening and closing dates with greater flexibility
• Allows local boards to revise scheduled closing dates as necessary to comply with minimum instructional day and instructional time requirements
• Eliminates the state board waiver process previously required for schools to open before August 26, replacing it with direct local board authority
• Maintains exemptions for schools operating under modified or year-round calendars that were designated as such during the 2003-2004 school year
• Effective beginning with the 2021-2022 school year