Governor McCrory asks legislators for school calendar flexibility

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – Governor Pat McCrory is asking the General Assembly to give schools flexibility when it comes to making up days missed because of Hurricane Matthew.

The governor issued an executive order Wednesday, asking legislators to adjust school calendar requirements, which includes and isn’t limited to waiving the current minimum number of days.

The governor is also requesting that school boards not reschedule lost school days until after legislative action can be taken.

Brunswick County has already released their make-up days.

Brunswick County schools spokeswoman Jessica Swencki says, “We are monitoring the governor’s executive order. We are holding with the current plan, but are  hopeful the order and legislature will allow them to extend the end of the school year.  Currently NC calendar law requires, ‘the closing date for students shall be no later than the Friday closest to June 11.’  This is the greatest obstacle with regard to make-up schedules. We remain committed to our belief that the integrity of our instructional calendar is important for student success.  We really want our students to be in school!”

McCrory says the state has historically adjusted school calendar requirements to accommodate extraordinary circumstances, such as the flexibility provided for the 1999-2000 school years in response to Hurricane Floyd.