School staff to survey students, teachers and parents on proposed 2026–27 academic calendars; board targets Dec. 1 for decision

District calendar staff told the board they will survey students, teachers and families on three proposed 2026–27 calendars and seek a board decision by Dec. 1.

The presentation said three calendar options are under consideration: two variations for 2026–27 with differing start‑of‑week choices and an alternate layout that changes winter break timing. Staff will send a first‑level survey to adults and students later this week and will solicit input from the superintendent’s student council, teacher and classified advisories and other stakeholder groups. The superintendent’s office asked board members to circulate questions and preferences to staff so they can be considered in time for the retreat and board decision cycle.

Staff noted constraints: K–12 instructional days are constrained by statutory and contractual requirements (180 student days is customary), local facility and graduation scheduling considerations, and potential fall 2026 election‑day impacts because several schools serve as polling places. The calendar team said the district historically starts in August and ends before May 31; changing that pattern would require schedule tradeoffs. Staff said they hoped to present options and survey results at the next work session and to have board action ready by Dec. 1.

Board members suggested changes — for example, adjusting ELBC/PD days to align professional development with student schedules, adding a February break week, or giving more clarity on exam schedules. The district will provide a presentation summarizing survey results and any recommended adjustments for board consideration.