School Board reviews revised 2526 calendar amid teacher burnout concerns

In a recent meeting of the Hendry County School District, board members gathered to discuss the proposed school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Superintendent Dr. Staley presented the revised calendar, which had already been voted on in a previous session.

The proposed calendar reflects a traditional structure, but it comes after extensive discussions about the need for a modified approach to better support teachers and students alike. For the past year and a half, the district has been exploring a balanced calendar model, which aims to alleviate teacher burnout by redistributing summer break into shorter, more frequent breaks throughout the school year.

This innovative model suggests that after each nine-week period, students would enjoy a two-week break, with additional time off during Christmas and spring. The goal is to create a more sustainable rhythm for both educators and students, allowing for rest and rejuvenation without extending the summer break excessively.

Dr. Staley noted that the district had actively engaged with staff across all departments and schools, gathering feedback through votes. The initial response was promising, with approval ratings hovering between 65% and 67%. However, recognizing the significance of such a change, the board emphasized the importance of achieving a higher level of consensus—ideally over 80%—before implementing the new calendar.

In addition to the balanced calendar, discussions also touched on alternative options, including a four-day school week, though details on this were less defined. As the meeting concluded, the board members were left with the task of weighing the benefits of these calendar changes against the need for broad support from the community and staff.

The outcome of these discussions will not only shape the academic year for students but also reflect the district's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for educators. As the board prepares for a vote, the future of the school calendar remains a pivotal topic for the Hendry County School District, with implications that could resonate throughout the community.