In a lively meeting held on September 9, 2025, the Litchfield Elementary School District Board discussed the academic calendars for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years, a topic that sparked both enthusiasm and concern among board members. As families begin planning their vacations, the board aimed to provide clarity and consistency in the school schedule.

Miss Benjamin, who presented the proposed calendars, highlighted the positive feedback received from teachers and staff regarding the Thursday start date, which allows students to ease into the school week with two days before a full week begins. This structure has been well-received, particularly as it aligns with the calendars of neighboring districts, such as Agua Fria, ensuring that families can coordinate breaks effectively.

However, the July start date raised eyebrows among board members, with some expressing discomfort about beginning the school year during the hottest months. Miss Wallace voiced her concerns about the impact of extreme heat on students returning from summer break, suggesting a shift to an August start. Despite these concerns, the board acknowledged the logistical challenges of aligning with testing schedules and other district calendars.

The discussion also touched on the importance of soliciting parent feedback on the academic calendar. While the board recognized the difficulty of accommodating everyone's preferences, they agreed that gathering input from parents could be beneficial, especially as the proposed calendars extend for two years.

After addressing various concerns, including the number of instructional days, the board ultimately voted to approve the 2026-2027 academic calendar, pending verification of the total instructional days. The motion passed unanimously, reflecting a commitment to providing families with advance notice for planning while balancing the needs of students and educators.

As the meeting concluded, board members expressed hope that the new calendars would help reduce chronic absenteeism by allowing families to plan vacations around school breaks. The decision marks a significant step towards fostering a supportive educational environment in the Litchfield Elementary School District.