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School calendar alternative next at Senate Judiciary | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Alan Wooten | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-04-13 13:01:00

(The Center Square) – Long a volatile discussion topic, proposed legislation involving K-12 school calendars is back to the Judiciary Committee of the North Carolina Senate when it convenes this week.

School Calendar Flexibility: A New Alternative, known also as Senate Bill 754, puts two options before local school boards and adds compliance penalties for any of the 115 districts statewide that may break the law. The law no earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 26 for starting and finishing no later than the Friday closest to June 11 will remain as one of the options.

The alternative is starting no earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 19 and ending no later than the Friday before the last Monday in May, otherwise known as Memorial Day weekend.

North Carolina has about 1.5 million school children and 90,000 educators. Spending on education was the largest share of the last state budget at $17.9 billion for 2024-25, and $17.3 billion for 2023-24 of the $60.7 billion two-year plan.

School calendar dates for most of the state’s history have been linked to agriculture, the No. 1 industry. Agriculture and agribusiness remain the top economic impact at $111.1 billion annually, but its workforce and the logistics of planting and harvesting have evolved while tourism has grown to a $35 billion juggernaut.



Sen. Amy S. Galey, R-Alamance




The latter often involves not only students working summer jobs but 10-month educators.

“Finding compromises like this isn’t always easy, but this bill is the culmination of good-faith efforts from stakeholders and legislators,” Sen. Amy Galey, R-Alamance, said in a release. “With the evolution of the school choice landscape, as well as North Carolina becoming the fifth most popular state for travel and tourism, it’s time to update and adapt our school calendar law.”

Civil penalty for breaking the law would be up to $10,000 against the local school board. Enforcement will lie with the State Board of Education through notifications from the superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction.

“This balances the desire of some school districts to start the school year earlier while still supporting our local businesses dependent on summer tourism,” said Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, the president pro tempore of the chamber. “We must take the appropriate steps to hold school districts that break the law accountable.”

Galey, Berger and Sen. Michael Lee, R-New Hanover, are the primary sponsors of the bill.

The proposed law passed out of the Education/Higher Education Committee on Wednesday. It would become effective immediately and apply to the 2026-27 school year.

The post School calendar alternative next at Senate Judiciary | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

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White House officials hold prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk

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www.youtube.com – ABC11 – 2025-09-14 22:40:21


SUMMARY: Republican lawmakers, conservative leaders, and Trump administration officials held a prayer vigil and memorial at the Kennedy Center honoring slain activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was killed in Utah, where memorials continue at Utah Valley University and Turning Point USA’s headquarters. Police say 22-year-old Tyler Robinson turned himself in but has not confessed or cooperated. Robinson’s roommate, his boyfriend who is transitioning, is cooperating with authorities. Investigators are examining messages Robinson allegedly sent on Discord joking about the shooting. Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony firearm discharge.

White House officials and Republican lawmakers gathered at the Kennedy Center at 6 p.m. to hold a prayer vigil in remembrance of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

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Family, friends hold candlelight vigil in honor of Giovanni Pelletier

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www.youtube.com – ABC11 – 2025-09-14 13:47:52


SUMMARY: Family and friends held a candlelight vigil in Apex to honor Giovanni Pelletier, a Fuquay Varina High School graduate whose body was found last month in a Florida retention pond. Giovanni went missing while visiting family, after reportedly acting erratically and leaving his cousins’ car. Loved ones remembered his infectious smile, laughter, and loyal friendship, expressing how deeply he impacted their lives. His mother shared the family’s ongoing grief and search for answers as authorities continue investigating his death. Despite the sadness, the community’s support has provided comfort. A celebration of life mass is planned in Apex to further commemorate Giovanni’s memory.

“It’s good to know how loved someone is in their community.”

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NC Courage wins 2-1 against Angel City FC

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www.youtube.com – ABC11 – 2025-09-13 22:43:31


SUMMARY: The North Carolina Courage defeated Angel City FC 2-1 in Cary, ending their unbeaten streak. Monaca scored early at the 6th minute, followed by Bull City native Brianna Pinto’s goal at the 18th minute, securing a 2-0 halftime lead. Angel City intensified in the second half, scoring in the 88th minute, but the Courage held firm defensively to claim victory. Pinto expressed pride in the win, emphasizing the team’s unity and playoff ambitions. Nearly 8,000 fans attended. Coverage continues tonight at 11, alongside college football updates, including the Tar Heels vs. Richmond game live from Chapel Hill.

Saturday’s win was crucial for the Courage as the regular season starts to wind down.

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