Moore County Schools Board considers alternative calendar amid public debate

The Moore County School Board convened on January 17, 2025, to discuss the draft calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, a routine matter that requires public input. The meeting highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding North Carolina's school calendar law, which mandates that schools cannot start before the last Monday in August and must end by the closest Friday to June 11.

Jamie Simon, a representative from the calendar committee, presented the proposed calendar, which outlines that the first semester would begin on August 26, 2026, and conclude on January 26, 2027, with the school year ending on June 11, 2027. The committee seeks the board's endorsement to share this draft with the public for feedback from February 11 to February 25, 2025. The feedback will be reviewed at the board's March 31 work session, where the committee will also present recommendations for calendar adoption.

The discussion quickly turned contentious as board members expressed differing opinions on the calendar law. Some members, like Miss Bruno, voiced strong opposition to the traditional calendar, advocating for an earlier start to the school year. She argued that the current schedule is detrimental to students and teachers, particularly in high school science classes, where the extended break leads to a loss of learning momentum.

Other board members echoed her sentiments, suggesting that the board should consider presenting both a compliant and a non-compliant calendar to the public. They emphasized the need for a united front to advocate for changes to the law, which they believe hampers educational effectiveness. Several members noted that many counties have successfully defied the law without facing repercussions, raising questions about the necessity of strict adherence.

Conversely, some board members, including Dr. Dahl, stressed the importance of following the law, citing the potential consequences of non-compliance. They expressed concern about the community's reaction if the board were to propose a calendar that breaks the law, recalling past instances where public sentiment was against such actions.

As the meeting progressed, a motion was made to present an alternative early start calendar alongside the proposed draft for public comment. This motion was met with support, reflecting a desire among some board members to explore options that better align with community needs and educational goals.

The board ultimately decided to move the discussion to the March work session, where they will consider both calendars and gather further public input. This decision underscores the ongoing tension between adhering to state regulations and addressing the educational needs of Moore County students.