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Survey of about 7,000 respondents shows parents favor post'Labor Day school starts; board hears trade-offs
Summary
Director Fallon Graham presented results of a calendar survey with nearly 7,000 responses. Parents strongly favored starting after Labor Day for the next two school years; employees and students were more divided. Staff noted state instructional-hour and Carnegie seat-time requirements affect calendar choices.
Chesapeake School Board members heard results of a district calendar survey and an overview of trade-offs involved in shifting start dates. Dr. Fallon Graham, director of planning, policy and research, told the board the survey, open Oct. 6219, drew close to 7,000 responses and that parents showed the strongest preference: about 70% favored starting after Labor Day for both 20262027 and 20272028 ("option A").
Graham said parents most often cited preserving family time and traditional vacation breaks; employees were divided and students leaned slightly toward post'Labor Day starts. Graham also discussed how state requirements shape calendar options: "the Code of Virginia includes a minimum requirement of 990 instructional hours each year," and high school courses must meet Carnegie seat-time requirements that affect verified credit.
Board members asked whether the district still needs to bank days for weather or other closures now that many students have 1:1 devices and virtual options. Graham responded that some banked time remains important because virtual instruction is not always possible to plan in advance and high school seat-time needs make the cushion useful.
Other details Graham shared: - The survey collected zip-code responses; 23322 and 23323 produced the most participation. - The district adjusted for suspected ballot-stuffing in its analysis. - The proposed 20262027 calendar would bank about 3.64 days in the first semester and about 3.27 days in the second semester as instructional cushion.
Graham said the overall results indicate a majority preference for post'Labor Day starts for the next two years and invited board questions. Board members thanked staff and signaled more discussion during upcoming calendar work sessions.
