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RALEIGH — State education leaders say local schools need more money if they have to extend the school year.

The Legislature has mandated an extra five days for classroom instruction beginning next fall. Many local districts hoped to get waivers from that schedule from the State School Board Thursday. The Board is not sure how local districts can afford to have students in class for five more days, making a 185 day school year.

Board members do not have the power to change state law. However, they did agree to ask the General Assembly for more money to extend the school year.

"I understand some of our larger school systems, it will be costing them anywhere from [$250,000] to [$750,000]. I've even heard the $1 million figure being thrown around in Mecklenburg County,” said Board of Education Chairman Dr. Bill Harrison.

Many teachers and principals have not supported more classroom days for students because it would take away teacher work days. Sandy George is the principal at Mount Airy High School. George does not know how her teachers will get the time for professional development.

“We're gonna have to be more creative with what we do as far as work hours for the teachers, staff development in those areas,” said George.

More than 80 districts around the state asked for waivers from the 185 day schedule. Most were concerned with transportation costs and scheduling. Many districts asked that the five days be teacher work days. Some suggested adding minutes to each day to make up the time in 180 days.

The board denied all of those requests.

“The General Assembly's law does not allow us to add 30 minutes to the end of the day. also, we know from research that tacking on 30 minutes at the end of the day really does not yield any achievement increases,” said State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson.

Principals like George hope lawmakers will hear their pleas for more money as they do what they can with extra school days.

“Everyday that the students come in we're going to do our very best to give them what they need,” said George.

The Board hopes lawmakers will consider the financial challenges of a longer school year when they go back in session in February. In the meantime, Dr. Harrison is urging school districts to build next year's calendar around an 185 day schedule.