State law requires the school systems to be in session for a specific number of days. That is not new, it’s been so for decades. However, a law the General Assembly put in force in 2005 prohibits schools from starting prior to Aug. 25 each year, and forbids school districts from keeping students in class after June 10.
We certainly understand families want their kids home for summer break, without holding classes until the end of June. But, we believe that, ultimately, the starting and ending dates of a school year should be a local decision which reflects local values and needs.
It takes a certain amount of arrogance, and lack of common sense, for a group of lawmakers in Raleigh to determine they know best when it comes to determining what is the ideal time for schools to be in session in the western mountains of the state, the coastal regions of North Carolina, and all areas in between. They can’t possibly understand the individual needs in each of the state’s localities.
If there is a problem in a school district or two, voters in those districts can certainly remove the school board members. School districts across the state do not need the General Assembly to determine their individual calendars. As this winter has shown, the ability of school systems around the state to complete those days within the allotted time frame varies widely, with winter weather certainly a significant factor.
While this year is scheduled to be a short session for the General Assembly, we ask area legislators to take action to repeal this 2005 law and put that decision back where it belongs, with local school boards.
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