Board reviews first read of revised 2026–27 school calendar, flags religious observances and graduation timing

The board heard a first reading of the Brandywine School District’s revised 2026–27 calendar from calendar committee chair Lavena Jones Davis.

Jones Davis said the draft recognizes Yom Kippur and Eid as days when schools will be closed and offices will remain open, moves parent-teacher conferences to Oct. 22–23, and adjusts professional-responsibility days (including moving one to Nov. 2). Teacher orientation and early professional days are scheduled in August with a first student day of Aug. 26; the last student day is planned for June 10 and the last teacher day June 15. She also noted the committee coordinated with neighboring districts and will seek board approval in February.

Board members asked whether employees would need to use personal or floating days for religious observances (12‑month employees differ), and asked about graduation timing and distribution of instructional days across the year. Dr. Lawson explained Delaware’s shift from 180 days to instructional-hour requirements affects how many days appear on the calendar and said the district has been attempting to regain instructional time where possible.

What’s next: The calendar will return to the board in February for formal approval; staff said the committee will continue outreach and post the draft for community review.