Senator Martin introduces joint resolution to let local boards waive makeup days after Hurricane Helene

Senator from Spartanburg introduced a joint resolution giving local school boards authority to waive full‑day makeup requirements for days lost during the 2024–25 school year because of Hurricane Helene.

Lede: The joint resolution would allow a school district governing body to waive the statutory requirement to make up full school days missed as a result of the storm during the 2024–25 year, giving affected districts local flexibility to avoid pushing graduations and other events into June.

Nut graf: Senator Martin — a former school board member — said some districts lost between six and 13 days and already used some calendar makeup days; he argued the proposed waiver would prevent last‑minute disruption to graduations and family plans while still encouraging districts to use built‑in makeup days and make reasonable efforts to preserve instructional time.

Details: Martin said the bill would be narrowly targeted to days lost because of Hurricane Helene; he noted existing law already allows forgiveness of up to three days locally and additional days by the state board, and that the resolution would enable a temporary expansion for impacted districts. The measure was referred to the Education Committee for consideration.

Quote: “This keeps them from having to go in with graduation. Let's say somebody's supposed to graduate June 1, what happens when they have to push the school year to June 8?” the sponsor said.

Next steps: The resolution was introduced and referred to the education committee for review and possible amendment.

Speakers: Senator from Spartanburg (introducer).