Raleigh, NC -- A new school year is starting for most North Carolina public schools, but there will be fewer adults in the buildings.
The first day of North Carolina's uniform academic calendar is Thursday, though nearly two dozen of the 115 school districts got exceptions because they have had a history of closings due to bad weather.
The state's belt-tightening this summer spared most teachers, but there will be fewer assistant principals, custodians and administrative workers in the buildings. The state budget also cut spending for textbooks and instructional supplies. Some schools have decided to start charging students to take driver's education courses.
Legislative leaders say the budget cuts were needed for the state to live within its means without raising taxes.
Associated Press