School Calendar Flexibility/Jackson, Swain, Transylvania/Open Calendar.

HB 148 allows Jackson, Swain, and Transylvania County Schools to start the school year earlier than the standard date (as early as August 19 instead of August 26) if they can prove they averaged at least eight weather-related school closures annually over the past decade. The bill specifically targets these three counties and requires them to maintain sufficient instructional days despite the earlier start. It does not change statewide calendar rules but creates a limited exception for qualifying districts based on documented emergency closure history. The change would apply beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.