Student advisory urges balance calendar delay until 2026–27, flags mental health and counseling needs

Lana Hannah, a Hanford High junior and student advisory representative, told the board the district’s balanced calendar will not be implemented until the 2026–27 school year and that the board will review three calendar options and a student/parent survey.

Hannah said the change will affect high school start times and programs such as Delta High, Tri‑Tech and Running Start, and urged consideration of transportation and program scheduling. She described a recent student mental‑health check‑in, cited cyberbullying and academic stress during finals as persistent issues and suggested more study sessions, mentorships pairing freshmen and juniors, and expanded advertising of mental‑health resources (counselors, social workers, Hazel Health, Communities in Schools) through school Instagram accounts, Atomic TV and newsletters.

Hannah also called for more specialized counselor support for students on Running Start or other nontraditional schedules and for clearer free‑and‑reduced‑lunch application help for families. Board members asked clarifying questions about opt‑outs (a small number), advisory scheduling, and transportation to athletic events; staff and a booster representative said boosters are coordinating buses for underclassmen where the district no longer provides transportation and that parental permission is required for volunteer transport.

The board thanked the student representatives and asked Hannah to forward her written report to administrators and the board for follow‑up.