Yankton school board approves amended 2025–26 calendar, adopts 2026–27 calendar; approves teacher contract

The Yankton School District 63-3 Board of Education on a voice and roll-call series of votes approved an amended 2025–26 school calendar, adopted the recommended 2026–27 calendar and approved a teacher contract for Clara Shield during its regular meeting.

Board members voted unanimously to amend the 2025–26 calendar to address a Native American holiday that had not been reflected in the earlier draft. The board then approved the recommended 2026–27 calendar after administrators said they had solicited staff input and adjusted a longstanding optional day for staff (Super Bowl Monday) off the draft calendar.

The calendar decisions were followed by a separate vote on a pulled consent item: the board approved a teacher contract for Clara Shield that had been removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration. The board also approved a consent-agenda addendum to record resignations and terminations included as letter I on the agenda.

Board Chair called for motions, and each item was carried by roll call with all members voting in the affirmative. The meeting later moved into an executive session under South Dakota law; the board reported no action taken following that closed session and adjourned.

The calendar approvals come after administrative review and input from staff; board members were told the 2026–27 recommendation reflects that review and that the administration removed an item (Super Bowl Monday) that had previously been considered for the calendar. For the 2025–26 amendment, administrators said the change clarifies which days students and staff have off to observe the Native American holiday.

Votes at a glance

- Approve amended 2025–26 school calendar (motion: approve amended 2025–26 school calendar): outcome approved; roll-call result recorded as unanimous yes. - Approve 2026–27 school calendar recommended by administration (motion: approve 2026–27 calendar as recommended): outcome approved; roll-call result recorded as unanimous yes. - Approve teacher contract for Clara Shield (motion: approve teacher contract for Clara Shield): outcome approved; roll-call result recorded as unanimous yes. - Approve consent-agenda addendum (motion: approve consent agenda addendum, letter I): outcome approved; roll-call result recorded as unanimous yes. - Move into executive session under South Dakota statute (motion: move into executive session, SDCL 1-25-2(4)): outcome approved; executive session held and no action taken on return.

Board members and district staff said the calendar changes were based on staff and administrative input and that the district will publish the finalized calendars to families once clerical updates are complete.

The board scheduled award of bids related to a separate agenda item and adjourned after reporting no action from executive session.