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DCG board approves 2025–26 calendar after debate over split teacher workdays
Summary
The Dallas Center‑Grimes School Board approved the district calendar for 2025–26, including a split work‑day approach (K–6 and 7–12 on different dates) and a June 1 student last day; board members discussed family impacts and potential legislative changes.
The Dallas Center‑Grimes Community School District Board on Monday approved the 2025–26 school calendar after discussion about splitting two teacher work days so kindergarten–grade 6 and grades 7–12 would each have a separate professional day.
Superintendent Dr. Brent Bloom and the district’s teacher quality team recommended keeping Wednesdays as embedded professional development days, starting staff the week of Aug. 18 with students beginning Aug. 25, and ending the student year June 1 (June 2 for staff). Bloom said the split work‑day — proposed for Feb. 27 and March 30, with one day used by elementary staff and the other by secondary staff — responds to high school scheduling needs and conference timing while keeping the overall number of work days unchanged.
Board members raised concerns that splitting the work days could create childcare burdens for families whose older students typically watch younger siblings on single day closures. Director [name as recorded on roll call: Vander Velden] and others urged the administration to communicate plans early and consider family logistics. Bloom acknowledged the concern but said staff, coaches and other non‑teacher groups already use the Wednesday schedule and that district leadership recommended the calendar to preserve professional development continuity.
Board discussion also considered a possible one‑time legislative change that could move allowable start dates earlier in the school year; Bloom said a legislator had discussed a potential one‑year change but timing and scope were uncertain.
The board voted to approve the calendar by voice vote. Administration said it will publicize the calendar details and collect stakeholder feedback on the Wednesday schedule and other components through staff and parent surveys.
