Panel backs school calendar change

A state House committee voted overwhelmingly Thursday to make it easier for schools to open before late August each year.

The bill, supported by the state's school administrators and school boards, would come close to reversing a 2004 law.

The proposal, endorsed by a 38-13 vote, would allow more schools to qualify for state waivers allowing them to open before Aug. 25. The bill moves now to a vote of the full House.

Parents, students and principals who want to return responsibility for setting school calendars to local boards say the late August start throws off the timing for high school students who want to take college courses. High schools where students take community college classes can get permission to start earlier.

The N.C. Travel Industry Association said the school calendar law has not hurt high school enrollment in community college courses. But those who want the changes said small school districts have problems when high schools and elementary schools don't open the same day.

The tourism industry pushed to have the state set the schools' opening day, and they are fighting to keep the law.

Owners of beach rental houses and tourist attractions say late August weeks are prime time for business and for teenagers holding summer jobs. Some parents said schools shouldn't start when families should be on vacation.

Legislators said they support the tourism industry but want to make sure that high school students were given the best chance to take college courses.

"I don't believe the tourism industry should be setting education policy," said Rep. Cullie Tarleton, a Blowing Rock Democrat.

Legislators who like the current law said school districts will move opening day to early August. Students would then have to endure hot school buses and buildings without air conditioning, said Rep. Bonner Stiller, an Oak Island Republican.

The argument about community colleges "is simply a tactic," he said.