Earlier start for schools moving to the head of the class

State lawmakers have moved one step closer to changing the start times for schools in North Carolina.

Legislation just passed the House that would allow districts to start the academic year two weeks earlier, as early as August 8th.

The bill is on its way to the senate.

WWAY spoke to school officials in Brunswick County about the proposed changes. “Certainly we do live in an area that depends a lot on tourism. We have also had some pretty successful year round schools where parents enjoyed the opportunity of having breaks at other times than just the summer vacation. So there are pros and cons and we are not going to please everyone we will go by the legislation,” said Faye Nelson.

In 2004, the legislature passed a bill allowing schools to start no earlier than August 25th.

That bill was backed by the tourism industry. The same folks opposed to pushing the start date earlier, saying it will interfere with students’ summer jobs, and family vacations.