It won’t be easy: gaining approval of new waivers so area schools can keep opening in August Evan Jones August 20, 2012 1 min read Roanoke City and County school officials hope they can convince state lawmakers to approve a new law allowing local schools to continue opening before Labor Day. But as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, no one is suggesting it will be easy. About the Author Evan Jones Editor View All Posts Share: Continue Reading Previous: Roanoke City, County schools love August starts — but this may be the lastNext: New way of treating inmates in Franklin County Related Stories 1 min read Virginia Tech fires head football coach Brent Pry Ian Price September 14, 2025 1 min read Blue Ridge Land Conservancy to host 2025 Conservation Celebration on September 21 Web Staff September 12, 2025 1 min read The need for more housing … and the preservation of structures that have historical value. Can those two viewpoints co-exist? Gene Marrano September 11, 2025