Broward County Public Schools is moving forward with discussions on the school calendars for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years, focusing on two proposed options that aim to balance instructional time and accommodate community needs. During a recent school board workshop, staff presented the calendar options, which were developed by a diverse calendar committee after extensive meetings and community feedback.

The proposed calendars for both years start on August 10, with a full week off for Thanksgiving. The primary difference lies in the scheduling of spring break and the last day of school. For the 2026-2027 school year, Option 1 includes spring break from March 20 to March 24, while Option 2 moves it to March 15 to March 19, resulting in a later end date for the school year. In the 2027-2028 calendar, Option 1 starts on August 10, while Option 2 begins a day later on August 11, affecting the winter break schedule.

Community input has been significant, with over 26,000 responses to a survey regarding the calendar options. For the 2026-2027 school year, 80% of respondents favored Option 1, while the preference shifted to 60% for Option 1 and 40% for Option 2 in the following year. Public comments during the meeting highlighted concerns about instructional balance, with some advocating for Option 2 due to its more equitable distribution of school days across semesters.

Board members engaged in discussions about the implications of the proposed calendars, including how they align with collective bargaining agreements and the scheduling of graduation ceremonies. The board is expected to vote on the proposed calendars in an upcoming meeting, with the outcomes likely to impact students, educators, and families across the district.

As Broward County Public Schools continues to refine its academic calendar, the focus remains on ensuring that the needs of the community are met while providing a structured and effective learning environment for students.