A new bill filed by State Rep. Matthew Winslow in the North Carolina House seeks to give Franklin County Schools flexibility in setting their academic calendar to better meet local needs, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 287 on March 4 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘SchCalFlex/Franklin/Open Cal.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill grants Franklin County Schools the flexibility to set the opening and closing dates for the academic year, diverging from the standard state-mandated dates. Traditionally, schools were required to open no earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and close no later than the Friday closest to June 11, with certain allowances for weather-related closures or other emergencies. However, under this measure, Franklin County Schools can independently determine these dates. This adjustment is set to take effect in the 2025-26 school year, giving the local school board more control over their academic calendar to better accommodate instructional needs and local circumstances.
Winslow proposed another six 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.
Winslow graduated from East Carolina University with a BS.
Winslow, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 7th House district, replacing previous state representative Lisa Barnes.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Winslow | HB 287 | 03/04/2025 | SchCalFlex/Franklin/Open Cal. |
| Matthew Winslow | HB 286 | 03/04/2025 | SchCalFlex/Vance/Open Cal. |
| Matthew Winslow | HB 291 | 03/04/2025 | Franklinton Annexations. |
| Matthew Winslow, Brenden H. Jones, Jake Johnson, and Jarrod Lowery | HB 222 | 02/25/2025 | C.O.O.P.E.R. Accountability Act. |
| Matthew Winslow, Celeste C. Cairns, and Steve Tyson | HB 159 | 02/21/2025 | Orphan Roads Maintenance Program Grant. |
| Matthew Winslow | HB 58 | 02/04/2025 | Various Local Elections. |
| Matthew Winslow, Erin Paré, Keith Kidwell, and Steve Tyson | HB 14 | 01/29/2025 | Gambling Loss Tax Deduct, NC Sound Money Act. |
