Board reviews two‑year calendar options and debate centers on aligning with Mitchell Community College

District calendar manager Laura Elliott presented two draft calendar options for 2026–27 and 2027–28 and shared survey results and dual‑enrollment statistics during the Dec. 8 meeting. Option A would start in mid‑August and end the first semester before winter break (177 days, 1,062 instructional hours); Option B would start later with a mid‑January first‑semester end (178 days, 1,068 hours). Elliott said the district collected 2,468 survey responses from parents, employees and employee‑parents and summarized the relative preferences for each option.

Much of the board discussion focused on alignment with Mitchell Community College. Superintendent Dr. Jeff James and staff highlighted that alignment increases participation in College and Career Promise (dual‑enrollment) courses: district figures cited roughly 1,298 students taking 4,879 Mitchell courses in one year and 1,498 students taking 6,221 courses in a later year, numbers officials say yield significant credit and long‑term economic benefit. Board members and staff also discussed the operational costs of a shifted calendar, including payroll timing and additional days of work that state law requires under a later start date; board members asked staff to provide more precise estimates of transportation and cafeteria cost impacts before a final vote.

Several teachers and the district’s teacher‑of‑the‑year commented in favor of Option A so that final exams and semester breaks occur before winter holidays, citing classroom continuity and staff morale. Board leadership directed continued review and indicated a vote will occur at the next regular meeting after members have time to examine cost estimates and legal implications.

No formal calendar adoption took place on Dec. 8; the board emphasized additional review and a potential straw poll at a future meeting.