School Board approves 2026-27 calendar with flexible teacher work day

The Bentonville School District's recent board meeting on April 15, 2025, highlighted a significant decision regarding the academic calendar for the 2026-2027 school year. After extensive discussions and feedback from staff, the board approved a new calendar that introduces a flexible teacher workday during the Christmas break.

The decision came after a thorough review process, where two drafts were presented. The first draft proposed a workday on January 4, but after staff feedback, the board opted for a second draft, which allows teachers to complete their work flexibly in December. This change aims to accommodate teachers' schedules while ensuring they have the necessary time to prepare for the upcoming semester.

Board members expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort that led to this compromise. "There's a lot of good compromise in here and the feedback," noted one member, emphasizing the importance of teacher input in the decision-making process.

The approved calendar will not take effect until the 2026-2027 school year, and the board reminded attendees that the current year's calendar is already available on the district's website. This proactive communication aims to prevent any confusion among families planning vacations based on the newly approved calendar.

As the district moves forward, the board's commitment to incorporating staff feedback into future decisions remains a priority, ensuring that both educators and students benefit from a well-structured academic year.