NORTH CAROLINA -- North Carolina representatives held a conference alongside the N.C. state superintendent on Monday to announce efforts being made to help students and staff in storm-ravaged counties following Florence. 

  • Representatives are working on a bill addressing make-up days and teacher pay
  • Days will be waived in storm-ravaged districts; other districts affected will have a few days waived
  • Bill would ensure teachers don't lose salary or vacation days due to Florence

The representatives announced they have a proposal in the works to waive school days in counties affected by Florence. For counties directly affected, more days will be waived. N.C. Sen. Michael Lee, who represents New Hanover Co., said for non-disaster counties where effects were still felt, they are working on a program similar to one initiated during Hurricane Matthew where two to three days will be waived, and some other arrangement will be made for the rest of the days.

Rep. Craig Horn, who represents Union Co., announced another part of the bill will address teacher and staff salaries and benefits, so that they won't have to use vacation days or lose pay for time lost during the storm.

Though nothing has passed yet, N.C. State Superintendent Johnson assured that this is a first step in the right direction and that waived days and salary and vacation time are top among their issues to address. Rep. Horn said a session related to the bill will take place in the next few weeks, with another follow up toward the beginning of the new year.

Watch the full conference here