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Committee previews one‑page 2025–26 and 2026–27 calendars and discusses forming 4‑day week committee
Summary
Draft one‑page calendars for 2025–26 and 2026–27 were reviewed with key dates and flexible instructional day guidance; staff will survey families Dec. 18–Jan. 6 and the committee agreed to consider a stakeholder committee to study a possible four‑day school week in the future.
The Education and Pupil Services Committee reviewed draft one‑page school calendars for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 school years and discussed how the district will collect community feedback and handle potential calendar changes.
Director Worsavage said both drafts list key dates: teacher return (Aug. 19 for 2025–26; Aug. 25 for 2026–27 based on Labor Day), first and last student days (tentatively Aug. 25/31 and June 9/14), professional development days aligned with election and holiday schedules, and graduation dates tentatively set with Temple (June 8, 2026 and June 11, 2027). State assessment windows and Keystone exam dates were also reviewed.
Staff said the district follows Pennsylvania Department of Education guidance and Act 80/Act 158 requirements for instructional hours and testing windows. The district has five flexible instructional days (FIDs) available that can be used to avoid extending the school year; presenters clarified that if a single building calls a FID for an emergency, that usage reduces the district’s shared allotment.
To gather community feedback, the district will send a short survey to families and staff beginning Dec. 18 with the survey open through Jan. 6, 2025; staff will collect responses and adjust calendars before presenting them for board action on Jan. 14, 2025. Board members also discussed attendance concerns about returning students on Friday, Jan. 2 and requested staff consider adjustments if needed.
Separately, the committee discussed a future proposal to form a stakeholder committee to study a four‑day school week. Presenters said board members and Home & School association members had raised the idea and the district has recruited three parents to participate; the committee would examine staffing, negotiation and instructional implications before any decision.
