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Board adopts staggered start for 2025–26: only incoming sixth‑ and ninth‑graders attend first day
Summary
The Richmond school board approved a staggered start calendar for 2025–26 that will require only rising sixth graders and ninth graders to attend on the first day of school (Monday, Aug. 18), with all students attending the second day; administration said the staggered start complements summer bridge programs and task force recommendations.
The Richmond Public Schools board voted to adopt a staggered start calendar for the 2025–26 school year. Under the approved plan, on the first day of classes only rising sixth‑grade students (for middle schools) and ninth‑grade students (for high schools) will attend; all students will attend beginning the second day.
Superintendent staff said the recommendation emerged from a task force that included principals, teachers and external partners and was intended to give students transitioning to middle and high school additional orientation and support; staff also noted summer bridge programs are an alternative for families who choose additional pre‑start engagement. The task force reviewed research and neighboring districts’ practices and recommended the staggered start to improve acclimation for students entering new school levels.
Board member questions focused on family outreach; staff acknowledged they did not conduct a district‑wide parent survey but said the task force included some parent and PTA input. The board approved the staggered start on a roll call vote.
Ending: The district will finalize family communications and outreach details for the staggered start; staff said they would provide transition and transportation guidance to families ahead of the first day.
