Littlestown Area School Board approves 2025–26 calendar and related policies

The Littlestown Area School District Board approved the 2025–26 school calendar and a package of board policies including policy 8.3 (school calendar), 8.5 (emergency preparedness and response), 8.5.1 (law enforcement) and 8.5.2 (school security policy).

Board members discussed calendar details before the vote, including whether to add additional teacher preparation time and how the calendar coordinates with county superintendents, neighboring districts and community events such as Memorial Day observances. A board member said many parents told the district they “don’t mind” extending a weekend in June and raised questions about losing school days in the middle of the year; other board members emphasized benefits of scheduled follow-up training days for teachers.

The board discussed the district’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and its impact on scheduling; one speaker noted the CBA allows teachers to come in over the summer for room setup and to use a flex day during the school year. Board members also described an approach that schedules training, then checks implementation 10–12 weeks later with follow-up sessions to reinforce learning.

The calendar discussion included a specific change made the previous year to protect the district’s graduation date from conflicting with a borough Memorial Day parade: the last student day was moved so graduation would not fall on the parade day. Board members said teachers appreciated having a half in-service day on the final Friday of the year to wrap up tasks without returning on their own time.

After discussion, a motion recommending approval of the calendar and policies was made and seconded (the second was recorded as Daniel Redmond). The chair called for the vote: “all those in favor… say aye,” and the transcript records “Motion carries.” The transcript does not record a roll-call or a numerical yea/nay tally.

Board members stressed the calendar is a starting point and can be adjusted later as needed for building projects, weather events or other operational needs. Several members noted that while the calendar aims to be consistent, it must remain flexible for unexpected circumstances.

The approved policies listed in the discussion were presented as a package; the transcript indicates the board recommended approval of that package with no further amendments noted during the recorded discussion.