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William Penn SD presents draft 2026–27 calendar with pre–Labor Day start and added instructional hours
Summary
Dr. Harris presented a draft 2026–27 calendar that adds instructional hours, keeps two parent–teacher conferences and professional development days, and proposes a pre–Labor Day start with half days the first week to reduce heat-related losses and avoid extending the year into late June.
Dr. Harris presented the William Penn School District’s proposed 2026–27 school calendar and said a committee of students, parents, support and professional staff and administrators developed the draft to align priorities for instruction and student achievement. He told the committee the draft increases instructional hours, retains two parent–teacher conferences (fall and spring) and preserves professional development days.
"We are also considering the weather and the heat at the beginning of the school year, hence, the consideration for half days, the first week of school," Dr. Harris said, explaining the schedule choices are intended to prevent the school year from running late into June. The draft also includes a pre–Labor Day start date.
Dr. Harris said the calendar committee worked through multiple drafts and sought feedback from pilot groups; the committee plans to share a final proposal at the district business meeting on Monday. He said the committee discussed holidays at length and designed the calendar using committee input and alignment with instructional priorities.
Board members asked whether the schedule could be adjusted for heat or assessment pacing; Dr. Harris and staff said the committee considered those factors while developing the draft and will finalize details before the business meeting. No formal action was taken during the education committee meeting; the presentation served as the committee’s review prior to the full-board business meeting.
