[Notation from SOS-NC: Representative David Guice, who sponsored HB547, one of the 2009 bills seeking to
repeal or weaken the School Calendar Law, voluntarily had his bill REMOVED from consideration on April 1.
His openness and candor about this issue, along with his willingness to listen and consider all sides is much
appreciated. Here is the full text of a press release issued by Rep. Guice.]

Date: April 1, 2009
Release: Immediate
Contact: W. David Guice
Phone Number: 919.715.4466

Brevard, North Carolina –
Representative W. David Guice updates the citizens of District 113 about House Bill 547 and other efforts within the North Carolina General Assembly to allow local control and flexibility over the school calendar. Specifically, House Bill 547 seeks to allow more flexibility in the creation of the school calendar for education leaders in Transylvania County, Henderson County and Polk County.

“There have been developments today in the North Carolina House regarding several bills that seek to allow certain school systems the flexibility to control the creation of their school calendars” said David Guice. Members of the Local Government II Committee of the North Carolina House of Representatives voted not to refer House Bill 483 and House Bill 499 out of committee. For both bills the vote was 8-5 against moving them out of committee. “Essentially these bills are dead and will go no further in the legislative process. Additionally, I anticipate there will be no further movement on this matter this year. Both of these bills were sponsored by members of the majority party and neither of them received the support needed for passage. I simply do not believe that there is, currently, the support needed to return control of this issue back to our local school systems” said Guice.

On Friday, March 27 Representative Guice participated in a community meeting in Polk County regarding the school calendar bill. School officials, parents, teachers, students and the business community were represented at this meeting. There was an honest and open dialogue about this proposed legislation and both sides were able to express their opinions, both positive and negative, regarding the calendar. Those in attendance expressed their support for this type of dialogue and talked about how important it is to have a conversation about these issues – even if they are tough.

“I have learned a lot about this specific issue as we have moved through this process” said Guice. “I have listened to people on both sides of this matter and I believe that the democratic process is stronger because of this dialogue. Public education is by its’ very nature evolutionary and we can expect change as we move forward; from the delivery method to the time and place where students learn. It is imperative that we continue to raise the level of public debate about the issues we face. It is only through this dialogue and this debate that we will truly be able to lead North Carolina into a strong and bright future. In the spirit of dialogue, I plan to proceed with meetings between business leaders and educational leaders. I still believe it is important for all stakeholders involved to sit down and talk through their concerns about the school calendar legislation.

“As a member of the Local Government II Committee I was able to witness and participate in the debate over House Bill 483 and House Bill 499 earlier today” said David Guice. “I still believe that the creation of the school calendar is a local issue and one that should be decided locally; however, it is abundantly clear to me that there is not the support for this initiative within the General Assembly. I also acknowledge there are many ways in which I can help the citizens of District 113 and I do not want to limit my ability to become an effective member of the General Assembly. Therefore, I have requested that my bill, House Bill 547, be moved off of the legislative calendar.”

“It is my goal to always strengthen our schools, continue to support economic development efforts in our district and throughout the region and work with people from all aspects of the process to ensure their needs are met” said Guice. “I look forward to working with our parents, teachers, students, school board members, county commissioners, business leaders and all community members to ensure that the needs of District 113 are heard in the halls of the North Carolina General Assembly.”