Rep. Jeffers files bill in North Carolina House to increase school calendar flexibility

A new bill filed by State Rep. B. Ray Jeffers in the North Carolina House seeks to provide local school boards greater flexibility in determining the start and end dates of the academic year, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 191 on Feb. 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘SchCalFlex/Durham,Person/Aug 10 & Assmnts.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill allows Durham County and Person County schools to have more flexibility in setting their school calendars, with a start date for students no earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 10 and a closing date no later than the Friday closest to June 11. Local boards may adjust the closing date to meet instructional day requirements. Assessments and final exams are to be conducted within the last 10 instructional days for year-long courses, and within the last five for semester courses, with exceptions for certain educational plans and courses with national or international curricula. The act is effective upon becoming law and applies from the 2025-26 school year.

Jeffers proposed another two bills during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Jeffers, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 2nd House district, replacing previous state representative Larry Yarborough.