School calendar review sparks debate over holiday observances

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The November 11, 2024, meeting of the D128 School Board focused on the review of the school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year and preliminary discussions for the 2026-2027 calendar. The meeting began with a summary of the calendar committee's process, which includes input from teachers, staff, parents, and student representatives.

The committee reviewed the 2025-2026 calendar, particularly in light of the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah. Data indicated that 24 staff members, about 4% of the total, requested the day off for the holiday, while student absences were noted at 145 for Vernon Hills High School and 52 for Libertyville High School on October 3, 2024. The committee concluded that the absence rates did not meet the thresholds that would necessitate changes to the calendar. Consequently, no modifications to the approved calendar were recommended.

Board members expressed satisfaction with the district's efforts to ensure that assessments and major homework assignments were not scheduled on or immediately after religious holidays. They noted that staff had been educated on these guidelines, and no complaints had been reported regarding adherence to this policy.

The discussion then shifted to the 2026-2027 calendar, which presented unique challenges due to Memorial Day falling on the last day of May. The committee explored options to adjust the school year while maintaining a balanced semester structure. Ultimately, they proposed several adjustments: adding Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 12, extending winter break by one day, incorporating Casimir Pulaski Day on March 1, and providing an additional day off before spring break. These changes aim to distribute breaks throughout the year while ensuring the school year remains within the required 178 instructional days.

The board has yet to finalize the graduation date for 2027, but it is anticipated to be scheduled for May 27. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring religious holidays and their impact on school attendance in future calendar considerations.

Converted from November 2024 Committee Meetings of the D128 School Board meeting on November 11, 2024
Link to Full Meeting