Jackson Public Schools presents proposed 2025–26 academic calendar; public commenters and board members raise readiness questions

Jackson Public Schools on Tuesday presented a proposed 2025–26 academic calendar that would start the school year in the final week of July, add one monthly early‑release day for professional development and move to a one‑week fall break timed to coincide with Jackson State University’s homecoming.

The district framed the calendar as a way to reduce summer learning loss, provide regular teacher collaboration time and align regional calendars. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Cormack told the board the calendar includes five full professional‑development dates and monthly early releases “to offer teachers the time to collaborate, to learn best practices, to review data, and to modify their practices.” Dr. Cormack said the fall break was shifted to create regional alignment and that the earlier start “helps accommodate the 5 professional development days and also the week‑long fall break.”

The proposal drew public comment in…