A very controversial bill, House Bill 593, “Change School Starting Date,” is taken up. It’s nteresting that bill sponsor (and outspoken school choice opponent), Rep. Paul Luebke, D-Durham, begins the debate by saying this is about “choice … choice for local school districts and what is best for the schoolchildren in their districts.”
The bill says school cannot start any earlier than the second Monday in August, making exams before Christmas break, coordinating with community college course schedules.
The number of vacation days would be the same, and the days in the school year would be the same. Those speaking in favor of the bill like the flexibilty it gives school systems. Those opposed say it adversely affects tourism and summer jobs.
The bill passes second Reading, 76-41, and will be voted on again in the House before heading over to the Senate, presumably before the second Monday in August.
