Topeka Public Schools narrows 2025–26 academic-calendar options; staff survey closes before Dec. 19 vote
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Summary
Two calendar options were presented to the board: an earlier-start option with a full week off at Thanksgiving and a later-start option with a shorter Thanksgiving break. A staff survey had about 112 respondents (65% certified teachers) and will close prior to the board vote on Dec. 19.
District staff presented two candidate academic calendars for 2025–26 and said the calendar committee will bring a final recommendation to the board after a staff survey closes.
Mrs. Wallace (superintendent staff) described Calendar 1 as an earlier-start plan with teachers returning Aug. 5 and staggered student start dates Aug. 12–13, a full week off at Thanksgiving and possible last school days ranging from May 20–28 depending on snow-day usage. Calendar 2 starts later (teachers Aug. 8; students Aug. 15–18), offers a shorter Thanksgiving break and shifts a professional development day; last-day ranges on that option run May 27 to June 3.
The committee said the calendars are developed under parameters in the district's negotiated agreement and are constrained by alignment with university calendars and college-credit programs offered in high school. Staff reported about 112 survey participants as of the morning of the meeting and estimated roughly 65% were certified teachers; the survey will remain open through Tuesday and results will be shared with the committee ahead of a board action item at the noon meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19.
Board members asked clarifying questions about holiday blocks and survey timing. No final action was taken at this meeting; the board expects to vote on the selected calendar at the Dec. 19 meeting.