Natchitoches Parish School Board reviews proposed 2026–27 calendar, considers two‑year option
Summary
Superintendent and calendar coordinator recommended a 2026–27 calendar that moves three Monday professional‑development days to the first week of August to reduce 'chopped' weeks and support teacher preparation; board debated fall break length, club scheduling and a two‑year calendar with a testing‑window disclaimer.
The Natchitoches Parish School Board on Jan. 13 reviewed a recommended 2026–27 school calendar that moves three Monday professional‑development days to the first full week in August and keeps the district within state minimum instructional minutes.
Jennifer Martin, calendar coordinator, said the recommendation followed survey input from staff, parents and principals and complies with state rules: Bulletin 741 sets minimum annual minutes (cited in the presentation as 63,720), and Martin said the district’s 385‑minute instructional day produces roughly 64,680 minutes a year — providing a small built‑in weather buffer. The proposal keeps the district’s eight‑year calendar framework while shifting PD days to the start of the school year so teachers can complete a week of preparation without creating additional “chopped” weeks during the academic term.
Superintendent Dr. Eloy said the district considered statewide peer calendars and found Natchitoches Parish averages near the statewide mean for days out; the adjustment would move the district slightly below that mean while addressing concerns from staff and families. Dr. Eloy framed the change as primarily intended to support student achievement and teacher recruitment and retention.
Board members expressed concerns about tradeoffs: several asked whether shortening the full fall break to a Friday‑Monday pattern would reduce heat exposure for students riding buses in August and whether clubs and after‑school activities would suffer if the school day structure changes. Board members also discussed the effect on teacher contracts and pay if the number or placement of work days shifts, and whether a two‑year calendar (2027–28) should include a disclaimer in case the state testing window changes. Martin said the district planned to place a prominent disclaimer on any multi‑year calendar noting that future state testing changes could require calendar amendments.
No formal vote on the calendar was recorded in the transcript; board members were told the calendar would be brought forward for consideration following the review and any requested edits. The board also discussed related operational details including parent‑teacher conference scheduling and the district’s aim to avoid chopped instructional weeks while retaining access for parents by offering evening and half‑day conference options.
