The first day of classes could arrive earlier or later than usual for West Virginia schoolchildren, under a new law changing the state school calendar.

Gov. Joe Manchin signed legislation Thursday that he had proposed on the topic. It had won quick passage in both the House and Senate this session.

State law already calls on schools to provide 180 days of student instruction. On Thursday, Manchin called the new law a good first start toward ensuring that counties meet that policy goal.

It requires county school systems to plan for icy conditions and emergencies within their annual calendars. It also frees them from the current late-August to early-June time frame.

The new law takes effect July 1.

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