The Poudre School District Board of Education convened on October 7, 2025, to discuss significant changes to instructional time and policies in response to new state legislation. The meeting highlighted the district's ongoing efforts to address compliance with instructional hour requirements while ensuring that educational practices meet the needs of students.

A key focus of the meeting was the impact of House Bill 24-1063, which mandates a new data collection process for instructional hours. This law aims to ensure that school districts do not compromise federal requirements, particularly for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans, during abbreviated school days. The district's leadership emphasized the need for a temporary policy change to adapt to these new requirements, which has led to the formation of an Instruction Minutes Action Team.

The action team presented findings indicating that many elementary schools in the district currently do not meet the required instructional hours without including recess. This discrepancy has raised concerns about equity and consistency across schools. The team proposed two models for a longer instructional day: a system-aligned day of 7 hours and 15 minutes for all schools, and a level-aligned day with varying lengths depending on school level. The board was asked to consider these recommendations and provide feedback on the proposed changes.

In addition to instructional time, the meeting addressed the importance of recess and passing time, which have been classified as non-instructional under current policy. The board discussed the implications of these classifications, particularly in light of recent weather-related school closures that have affected instructional minutes. The action team underscored the need for a balanced approach that recognizes the value of breaks while ensuring compliance with state requirements.

Looking ahead, the board plans to continue discussions on bell times and the overall school calendar, with a focus on maintaining flexibility for individual schools while striving for consistency across the district. The next steps will involve gathering further feedback from stakeholders and refining the proposed changes to ensure they align with the district's educational goals.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing instructional time while navigating the complexities of state regulations and the diverse needs of its student population. The board's decisions in the coming months will be crucial in shaping the educational landscape for the 2025-2026 school year.