Pulaski County board weighs weeklong fall break in proposed 2026–27 calendar, sends plan back to PPCs for more input

The Pulaski County Special School District board on Jan. 13 discussed a proposed 2026–27 school calendar that would keep an early August start and introduce a full week fall break the second nine‑week period. Dr. Williams, presenting the draft, said the primary change "is in regard to a proposed fall break," explaining the week would fall at the end of the first nine weeks to allow parent‑teacher conferences and better timing for student supports.

The draft calendar would keep 178 student days and a 190‑day teacher contract; teachers would receive professional development the first week of August and students would begin the following week. Dr. Williams said the fall break proposed Oct. 12–16 would include parent conferences on the Monday and that the administration intends to use minute‑based flexibility (where allowed by state law) to reduce the overall number of days while preserving instructional minutes.

Board members and staff discussed likely effects on athletics, testing schedules and family child‑care needs. Several board members asked whether the proposal would conflict with regional calendars or cause hardship for working parents; Dr. Williams noted the district had surveyed stakeholders and intended to allow PPCs and staff to collect additional feedback. Dr. Sharkey summarized early parent responses: "Of all of our parents, we got 34 responses... about a 50 50 split," and enumerated common themes — childcare, the placement of parent‑teacher conference days and travel planning.

Supporters on the board emphasized mental‑health and attendance benefits from more frequent breaks; one board member noted recent research and local experience showing improved teacher and student attendance with intermittent breaks. Critics warned of day‑care cost burdens and coordination challenges for families whose children attend different districts. Board members also discussed alternatives such as extended long weekends or moving an extra week to winter break, and whether a spring break extension was viable given state testing calendars in April and May.

After extended discussion the board did not vote to adopt the calendar. Instead the board instructed the administration to return the calendar to the PPC committees, gather additional staff and parent feedback in a stated timeframe and bring a recommendation back in February. "We'll see this in February," the chair said, signaling the board will make a final decision after the next round of stakeholder input.

The calendar discussion is scheduled for follow up at upcoming PPC meetings and the February board meeting; the administration said it will post a clear response window for parents and provide compiled feedback to the board prior to the vote.