Sheldon ISD proposes earlier 2025–26 start, October fall break and PD flex days in draft calendar
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Summary
District leaders presented a draft 2025–26 calendar proposing a July 31 start for returning teachers, an Aug. 12 student start, an October fall break aligned with nearby districts, PD and parent‑conference days, and instruction-ending before Memorial Day to improve instructional pacing and teacher recruitment.
District leadership presented a draft 2025–26 school calendar focused on instructional effectiveness and teacher recruitment incentives.
Officials said the district must provide 187 teacher duty days, which shapes the start and end dates. The draft schedules returning teachers to begin July 31, places the first student day on Aug. 12 and positions an October fall break (the week of Oct. 6 proposed) to align with neighboring districts and provide a strategic mid‑semester pause. The calendar includes staff development (PD) days pre‑start, PD flex days in February that teachers can use if they complete equivalent PD in summer, and a parent‑conference day in November. The proposed last student day is scheduled to finish before Memorial Day to maximize instructional days before state testing windows.
Board members asked about teacher and family impacts of the earlier start. Presenters said earlier starts allow for more instructional days before testing and that teachers have favored the October fall break in prior years; staff reported attendance improved under similar calendars and cautioned that differing neighboring district schedules can create childcare and attendance issues.
No formal board vote on the calendar occurred at the meeting; staff requested questions and indicated the calendar would return for further consideration and final approval.