AN ACT to direct the department of public instruction to conduct a study on the feasibility of maintaining one year‑round school per local school ADMINISTRATIVE unit.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  The Department of Public Instruction shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of requiring each local school administrative unit to maintain at least one school that operates on a year‑round school calendar for each grade level, kindergarten through grade 12. All grade levels do not need to be offered year‑round at the same school. At a minimum, the Department shall study:

(1)        Administrative costs associated with establishing and maintaining a school that operates on a year‑round calendar.

(2)        Operational costs associated with establishing and maintaining a school that operates on a year‑round calendar.

(3)        Transportation and other logistical challenges to having students from across a local school administrative unit attend the year‑round school if they choose.

(4)        Barriers to establishing a year‑round school.

(5)        Anticipated enrollment if year‑round schools were more accessible.

SECTION 2.  The Department of Public Instruction is authorized to work with a third‑party organization to complete this study.

SECTION 3.  The Department of Public Instruction shall report the results of the study, along with any legislative or budgetary recommendations, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee no later than January 15, 2027.

SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law.