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Longfellow seeks state renewal for 45‑15 balanced calendar; district cites retention and community benefits
Summary
Longfellow Elementary presented its application to reauthorize the 45‑15 flexible learning year to the board. School leaders cited higher attendance and test scores than district averages, expanded family and community partnerships, and ongoing transportation and childcare challenges.
Longfellow Elementary presented Feb. 18 to the Rochester Public Schools board its reapplication to the Minnesota Department of Education for permission to continue operating a 45‑15 balanced calendar in 2025–26.
Principal Amy Adams and staff told the board the school’s long‑running calendar model shortens summer break and schedules intersessions to reduce summer learning loss and increase staff collaboration. They said Longfellow’s model has led to higher attendance and above‑average academic outcomes, stronger teacher retention and deeper family engagement.
Staff shared survey and performance data: 79.2 percent of Longfellow students attend school more than 90 percent of the time, 58.5 percent of third‑through‑fifth graders met or exceeded grade‑level expectations in math, and 47.8 percent did so in reading; staff also reported that 69.7 percent of Longfellow multi‑lingual students made progress toward their targets. Longfellow leaders said these results compare favorably with district and state averages.
The Minnesota Department of Education requires that schools on a flexible calendar offer intersession programming; Longfellow leaders said the school provides academic interventions during intersession and partners with community providers for childcare and wraparound care. The Boys and Girls Club currently offers on‑site programming for about 70 students during breaks, and SAC programming has expanded to support families.
Board members asked about obstacles to enrollment. Principal Adams said the district’s transportation changes and building relocation have affected some families’ ability to participate, and childcare during intersession remains a concern for a subset of families. Longfellow staff said they are working with district transportation, Boys & Girls Club and SAC to expand supports and to collect more stakeholder input as part of the MDE application.
The school board will consider formal action to transmit the application to the state in a March 4 agenda item; Longfellow’s staff said the MDE requires a progress report each August as part of continued authorization.
