Portsmouth school board adopts 2026–27 instructional calendar with August start and June finish

The Portsmouth City School Board unanimously approved the recommended 2026–27 instructional calendar on Oct. 23.

Division staff presented the administrative recommendation, which the presenters said includes three teacher work days, five professional development days, a two‑week winter break, a five‑day spring break and observances for Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day. The recommended calendar sets the first day for students on Aug. 24 and an end date of June 11, the presenter said.

The motion to approve the calendar was made by board member Quinea Futrell and seconded by Miss Shoemake. During discussion Shoemake reminded the public that the recommendation was based on community survey results and prior discussions. The board then voted by roll call; the transcript records the vote as unanimous.

Why it matters: The calendar determines instruction and staffing cycles for the year, affects family planning and shapes the district’s scheduling for professional development and interventions.

Clarifying notes: The administration noted that the calendar was developed using community survey results. The transcript records a brief discussion about naming the time blocks “teacher work days” (rather than generic staff days) and that survey input informed the start and end dates.

Ending: The board’s roll call vote approved the calendar; the transcript records the motion, second and unanimous roll-call approval.