The Lake Forest Board of Education reviewed a draft instructional calendar for the 2025-26 school year on Thursday and directed administration to release the draft for a 30-day public comment period.

Mr. Mormon, who led the calendar committee, told the board the draft was built from the current year's calendar and modified after feedback from 186 staff respondents: "Among those 186, about 51% of them were teachers," he said. Committee membership included building representatives, administrative staff and CBO representation; the committee began work in December to allow the district time to load the calendar into a new student information system, Infinite Campus.

Key features: The draft keeps a two-week winter break between Christmas and New Year's (a change staff strongly favored), front-loads professional development days prior to the school year, includes a transition day for kindergarten and separates meet-and-greet events from instructional days. Mr. Mormon also told the board the draft includes about seven and a half built-in weather-related days (delays and cancellations use that bank when needed).

Why it matters: Calendar structure affects instructional minutes, staff schedules and family planning. Board members asked staff to clarify the number of legally mandated professional development days and noted that the draft front-loads training to give teachers concentrated time before instruction begins.

Next steps: The board agreed to release the draft to the public for 30 days and to review community feedback at the February meeting. No board action was required Thursday; the calendar will return to the board after the comment period for possible adoption.

Ending: Mr. Mormon said he will summarize public comments for the board after the 30-day window and present any recommended adjustments at the next scheduled board meeting.