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District presents 2025–26 calendar unchanged and draft 2026–27 calendar with later August start
Summary
District staff presented the 2025–26 calendar (unchanged from the previously approved version) and a draft 2026–27 calendar that proposes an Aug. 17 start date, closer alignment with District 65 breaks, and a staff institute day at the start of semester two.
Evanston Township High School District 202 staff presented two years of district calendars on March 10: the 2025–26 calendar, which remained unchanged from the previously approved version, and a draft 2026–27 calendar that proposes an Aug. 17, 2026 start date and a new staff institute day at the start of the second semester.
Why it matters: The calendars set the school year rhythm that affects families’ childcare planning, alignment with feeder district District 65, summer programming windows and facility maintenance scheduling.
Key points presented - 2025–26 calendar: Staff stated the document before the board is unchanged from the version approved previously. - 2026–27 draft calendar: Proposes a later start (Aug. 17) than in recent years and includes a staff institute day at the beginning of semester two to allow teachers planning and preparation time. - Alignment with District 65: The calendar committee included representation from District 65 and district staff said aligning breaks with District 65 reduces childcare conflicts and supports family schedules. - Process: ETHS staff described the calendar committee as including administrators, faculty, staff and District 65 representation and noted the district plans calendars two years in advance; the draft provides early notice and may be revised.
Board discussion: Board members voiced support for priorities listed by the calendar committee, including starting as late in August as possible and alignment with District 65. A board member specifically welcomed the staff institute day after winter break for teachers’ recovery and preparation.
What the record shows and limits: The presenter referenced statutory requirements for school calendars during the presentation; the transcript includes a garbled number for the minimum student‑attendance days, so the article does not assert a specific statutory numeric requirement beyond the general observation that districts adopt annual calendars and ETHS plans two years ahead.
Next steps: The calendars were presented for information; no action was taken at the March 10 meeting. Staff indicated the draft may be revised and families will receive early notice of key dates.
