North Carolina's School Calendar Debate: A call for change

By Ron Humphries | Guest Opinion

Humphries

North Carolina's school calendar law, established in 2004, required public schools to start the academic year no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26. The original aim was to support tourism in the coastal counties. However, as time has passed, it has generated much debate about its adverse effects on education and community needs across the state, particularly in economically challenged rural counties with greater workforce development needs. It is worth noting that, due to anticipated severe weather days, most mountain districts can start earlier; year-round schools are exempt, and charter schools are excluded from the law. 

The Leandro ruling, stemming from a 1997 court case in North Carolina, mandates that the state provide every child with a sound, basic education. It established that disparities in funding and resources violate constitutional rights, leading to ongoing discussions about educational equity and state responsibilities, and created a comprehensive remedial plan to align the state with the State Constitution. 

The specific issue I wish to address is the perennial kerfuffle that arises from the School Calendar Law and the NC Senate's annual parliamentary gymnastics used. The Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plans, explicitly order the state to "adopt the necessary policies to allow school calendar flexibility to ensure that local schools can align with community college and university schedules".  An action specified in the plan is to grant local school districts greater control over their start and end dates, moving away from the state-mandated late-August start date.  While the part of the Leandro ruling that ordered the transfer of state funds has been put on hold by the State Supreme Court, the non-pecuniary orders in the ruling have been upheld by both the State Appeals Court and Supreme Court.  The court has thereby determined that the General Assembly is under a court order requiring it to provide this flexibility. 

In fact, the November 10, 2021, Superior Court order, affirmed by the November 4, 2022 Supreme Court ruling, states that “any and all other State actors and their officers, agents, servants, and employees are authorized and directed to do what is necessary to fully effectuate years 2 and 3 of the Comprehensive Remedial Plan.”, which includes the calendar flexibility language. It is worth noting that local school boards are considered “State actors.”

In North Carolina, the ongoing debate over school calendar flexibility has brought to light significant concerns about the concentration of power. This situation exemplifies how leadership decisions can directly affect local governance and community well-being, raising critical questions about accountability and representation. There are 50 state senate districts in North Carolina, and the President Pro Tem, often referred to as the most powerful state politician, is elected by citizens in only one of them.

The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that local school districts may align their academic calendars with those of community colleges. This decision was rooted in the belief that local communities know their needs best and should have the flexibility to make decisions that serve their students and families effectively. However, despite this ruling, multiple bills passed by the NC House to implement this flexibility have failed to reach the Senate floor for a vote. This undermines the intent of the court ruling and, more importantly, disregards the voices of constituents across the state.

As we reflect on school calendar flexibility, we must seek reforms that prioritize the needs of our communities, uphold the rule of law, and restore the balance of power within our legislature. Only then can we ensure that our government truly serves the interests of all North Carolinians, and in this case, the needs of our students across the state.

About the author: Ron Humphries is an elected Cleveland County School Board Member and Chairman of the Education Programs/Policy Committee. 

The opinions and views expressed in guest opinions and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect those of The Shelby Independent. To submit a letter to the editor, please visit the contact page or send an email to: shelbyindependent@gmail.com.