RALEIGH, N.C. – House budget writers have dropped a requirement that North Carolina public schools be open fewer days next year.

But Tuesday’s decision by the House education subcommittee to remove the requirement doesn’t eliminate the possibility that local districts could close schools a few extra days.

A budget plan last week would have reduced the public school calendar from 180 days to 175 in the next school year and to 170 days the following year. Education supporters criticized the idea as a step backward.

Subcommittee co-chairman Rep. Ray Rapp of Madison County said Democrats are still considering whether to require teacher furloughs for several days. Rapp said local districts could close school for some of those furlough days.

RALEIGH, N.C.  – North Carolina public school districts could start classes as much as 2 1/2 weeks earlier in a bill tentatively approved in the House.

The bill approved 77-41 Wednesday is the latest effort by state education groups to loosen a 2004 law requiring schools to begin no earlier than Aug. 25 and end by June 10. The measure would move the start date to as early as Aug. 8.

The original law has been defended by the tourism industry and parents who want to keep traditional summer vacations.

Bill supporters said districts should have the flexibility to decide when classes begin. Rep. Paul Luebke of Durham County argued it also would ensure exams end before Christmas break.

A final vote could come Thursday. Then it would go to the Senate.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Legislation that would let North Carolina schools start the academic year two weeks earlier each August has cleared a state House committee.

The House Commerce Committee on Monday voted 14-10 to recommend the proposal to the full House, where a vote is likely this week.

The bill would allow public schools to open as early as Aug. 8. A 2004 law requires most schools to begin no earlier than Aug. 25 and end by June 10.

The tourism industry is fighting the change because it would cut into traditional summer vacations. Education groups think earlier start dates would allow for exams before the Christmas vacation.

The measure faces a Thursday deadline to pass the House or face a challenge to be considered in the next two years.

North Carolina schools could start the academic year two weeks earlier under a bill getting another hearing in a state House committee, the N&O reports.

RALEIGH, N.C. – A bill to allow North Carolina school districts to start classes each year as much as 2½ weeks earlier than what’s now allowed has hit a roadblock.

The House Commerce Committee narrowly defeated a motion Tuesday night to recommend the measure go to the House floor.

The bill would change the 2004 law requiring most schools to begin no earlier than Aug. 25 and end by June 10. Districts could start as early as Aug. 8.

Education groups argue districts should decide their own start dates. The tourism industry and parents oppose the change because they say districts want to erode traditional summer vacations.

The 13-to-14 vote doesn’t necessarily kill the bill. Sponsor Rep. Ray Rapp of Madison County hopes the motion will be reconsidered.

RALEIGH, N.C.  – House members say a bill giving school districts more leeway in when they start classes each year is best for students.

The House Education Committee began debate Tuesday on legislation permitting school systems to start school as early as the second Monday in August. Current state law requires districts to begin classes no sooner than Aug. 25.

Rep. Ray Rapp of Madison County is one of the bill’s chief sponsors. He said an earlier start would help students finish semester classes and take end-of-course tests before winter break.

The legislation wouldn’t change rules that require the school year to end on June 10.

Parents and the travel industry support current law. They argue that it keeps traditional summer vacation time intact and helps boost coastal business through August.

RALEIGH, N.C. – House members are trying again to give school districts more leeway in when they can start class each year.

The House Education Committee scheduled debate Tuesday on legislation permitting school systems to start school as early as the second Monday in August. The current law requires districts to begin no sooner than Aug. 25.

The legislation wouldn’t change the required end of school by June 10.

Parents and the travel industry convinced lawmakers in 2004 to pass a statewide school calendar law. They argued too many districts were cutting into traditional vacation time by starting in early August.

School systems have sought more calendar flexibility ever since. Administrators say the restrictions hurt student performance and make it difficult to end semesters before the December holiday break.