Ohio School District proposes fall break during Thanksgiving for 2026-2027 calendar

The Sylvania Board of Education convened on December 9, 2024, to discuss several key agenda items, including updates on the school calendar for the 2026-2027 academic year and the participation of the Science Olympiad team in upcoming events.

The meeting began with a brief mention of the Science Olympiad team, which is preparing for an invitational at Ohio State University. Following this, the board moved on to a first reading of a proposed school calendar for the 2026-2027 school year. Superintendent Tim discussed the draft calendar, highlighting a significant change that would provide an additional day off for students and teachers during the Thanksgiving break.

The board proposed to take off the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, allowing for an extended break. This decision was based on feedback from both unions and employees, with approximately 64% voting in favor of this option. The professional learning day for teachers will also be moved to the Monday of Thanksgiving week, creating a fall break for families. This adjustment aims to enhance the instructional experience, as the previous two-day school week during Thanksgiving was seen as less effective.

Board members expressed support for the proposed changes, noting that the adjustments would benefit families, especially those traveling during the holiday. Discussions also touched on the potential for similar adjustments in future school years, although any changes would require compensating for the lost instructional day elsewhere in the calendar.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the proposed calendar changes, with board members encouraged to reach out with any further questions or concerns. The board's proactive approach aims to enhance the educational experience while considering the needs of both students and staff.