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Board receives first read of 2025–26 academic calendar; committee gathered broad input
Summary
The board accepted a first read of the proposed 2025–26 Christina School District calendar. The plan starts after Labor Day, includes built‑in hours to bank days for inclement weather, and follows district business rules; the calendar committee said it collected feedback from more than 200 community respondents.
The Christina School District Board received the proposed 2025–26 academic calendar as a first read on March 11.
District staff and calendar committee co‑chairs described a process that included 135 committee members representing transportation, child nutrition, teachers, specialists, paraprofessionals, counselors, social workers, administrators, parents and community members and more than 200 community responses to an online feedback form.
Highlights of the proposed calendar: - Start after Labor Day: student first day on September 2 (grades 1–5) with staggered start for middle and high school transition days; pre‑K to start September 8. - Instructional hours: The draft meets student hour requirements (k–11: 1,060 hours; grade 12: 1,032 hours) and provides approximately 1,079 hours for students, allowing the district to bank days for emergencies. - Staff days: Proposal yields 188 teacher days, 185 days for paraprofessionals; new staff orientation and professional development windows are included. - Holidays and observances: The calendar incorporates federal/state holidays and includes observance guidance for Jewish holidays and Eid; district also published a link to other religious holidays where schools remain open but excused absences are permitted.
District staff emphasized that the calendar process checked neighboring districts and sought alignment where possible. The calendar committee recommended the board approve the draft as a first read; board members moved and seconded the motion (Alethia Smith Tucker moved, Doug Manley second) and the board approved the first read 5–2.
Staff said the calendar feedback form remains open and that committee members can reconvene if substantive changes are required before the second read.
