NC S754

Local boards of education may choose between two calendar options: (1) opening no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26 with closing no later than the Friday closest to June 11, or (2) opening no earlier than the Monday closest to August 19 with equal fall and spring semesters and closing no later than the Friday before the last Monday in May.

State Board of Education may grant waivers to allow earlier August 19 start dates for districts demonstrating "good cause," defined as schools closed 8 days per year during any 4 of the last 10 years due to severe weather, energy shortages, power failures, or emergencies.

Superintendent of Public Instruction must investigate potential calendar violations within 60 days and report findings to the State Board, which may direct noncompliant districts to remedy violations or face withholding of central office administration allotments.

Residents or businesses within a school district may sue local boards for calendar noncompliance, with courts authorized to issue declaratory judgments, injunctive relief, reasonable attorneys' fees, and civil penalties up to $10,000.

Effective upon becoming law, applying beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.