Schools could be starting closer to beginning of August

State lawmakers could be cutting summer vacation short for North Carolina students.

Proposed legislation may allow schools to start the academic year two weeks earlier in August. The bill would allow public schools to open as early as August 8th.

Back in 2004, school start legislation went into effect, pushing start times back past August 25th, which was good news for the tourism industry. They are fighting against the new legislation, claiming it would cut into the vacation month and tourism dollars to our area.

“It’s also two fold in our area. It’s not only tourism coming in, but high school students are a big part of our summer workforce and with them going back to school earlier as well it takes away a vital part of our workforce during those summer months,” said Cape Fear Visitor Bureau President Kim Hufham.

A commerce committee had previously voted down the proposal, but it was passed Monday.

It now goes to the House floor for a vote this week.