Board approves 2025-26 instructional calendar; last day proposed for June 10

The Shorewood School District Board of Education approved the district’s proposed 2025–26 instructional calendar at its Jan. 14 meeting.

District staff said the calendar committee — composed of community members, board members and educators — met three times in December to balance instructional minutes, professional development and recognition of religious and cultural holidays. The committee’s work led to proposals that increase elementary instructional minutes by repurposing some Wednesday early-release days for instruction and professional development.

Mike Joynt, who led the calendar presentation, said the committee weighed items the district can control (for example, scheduled student contact days) and items it cannot. He noted the winter break alignment creates an extended break: with Dec. 22 falling on a Monday and Jan. 2 on a Friday the proposal produces roughly a two-week winter recess; as proposed, “we have our last day of school on June 10 next year.”

Board members said they received parent and staff feedback favoring the two-week winter recess. Board member Abby told the board she had heard from “lots of families and some staff and teachers that the winter break this year was great, a huge improvement over last year's.” Committee members also said they attempted to balance recognition of religious holidays; the board noted that the district plans to recognize at least one Jewish holiday and at least one Muslim holiday but cannot accommodate every date for every faith.

A motion to approve the proposed calendar was made, seconded and approved by the full board. The administration will publish the adopted calendar and make it available on the district website.

The board noted the calendar adoption does not lock in future changes to contract days or professional development scheduling; administration said it may continue to refine scheduling details with staff and parents as needed.