NC H163

Changes the standard school opening date from no earlier than Monday closest to August 26 to Monday closest to August 10 for Craven County Schools and Union County Schools.

Allows Hyde County Schools on Ocracoke Island to maintain the Monday closest to August 26 opening date, while schools on mainland Hyde County and dual-enrolled students may open as early as Monday closest to August 10.

Permits school boards with fall semesters ending before December 31 to administer annual assessments and final exams prior to semester conclusion rather than waiting for the final instructional days.

Maintains existing "good cause" waiver provision allowing the State Board of Education to permit earlier August 19 opening dates for counties experiencing eight or more school closure days in any four of the last ten years.

Effective beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.