Amends GS 115C-84.2(d) as title indicates. Requires Halifax County Schools to open no later than the Monday closest to August 10 (currently, prohibited from opening earlier than the Monday closest to August 26), excluding year-round schools. Deletes the provisions of subsection (d) concerning waiver of the opening date requirements upon a showing of good cause. Also amends GS 115C-174.12 to allow Halifax County Schools to administer assessments before the end of the fall semester if it implements a school calendar that concludes the fall semester before December 31.