Board adopts 2026‑27 and 2027‑28 academic calendars; one remote learning day moved for 2026 election
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Summary
The Savannah‑Chatham board approved the 2026‑27 and 2027‑28 school calendars, each with 180 instructional days and five full preplanning days; a planned remote learning day originally scheduled for September 2026 was moved to November because staff expect high voter turnout.
The Savannah‑Chatham County Board of Education approved the district academic calendars for the 2026‑27 and 2027‑28 school years during its May 7 meeting.
The approved calendars each provide 180 instructional days, the required 10 staff planning days, five full preplanning days and two post‑planning days. Staff noted the calendars mirror the previously adopted 2025‑26 schedule while accounting for regional events and the timing of state assessments.
Superintendent Denise Watts explained a specific change for 2026: "Based on that election in 2026... we expect high voter turnout. So we took the remote learning day that was planned in September in 2026, and we put it on November." The district uses school buildings as polling places in partnership with the Chatham County Board of Elections, and staff said the calendar change was made to reduce conflicts on a likely high‑turnout election day.
Board members discussed how the calendars affect families and staff. Dr. Howard Hall urged the board to use the calendars to encourage attendance and reduce teacher burnout, noting the number of days off in various breaks: "We have a lot of days out," he said. Miss Grabowski said she favored not beginning school on a Monday and expressed concern about teacher start dates in July.
The board also confirmed that excused absences for religious holidays are addressed in policy JBA and asked staff to ensure federal holidays are listed by name on the calendar if possible. Miss Hall moved to approve the calendars; Dr. Hoskins Brown seconded the motion, which the board approved.
Staff said calendars were posted on the district website and were reviewed by the superintendent's professional senate. The district said it will continue to communicate dates and the reasoning for key calendar choices to families and staff.
