Jackson County Board adopts student‑centered 2026‑27 school calendar

The Jackson County Board of Education on Jan. 20 voted to adopt a student‑centered calendar for the 2026–27 school year, choosing a draft that begins Aug. 13 with a staggered kindergarten start and additional parent‑conference days.

District staff member Dr. Ayers, who presented the two calendar drafts, described Option A as a “student‑centered or flexible calendar” designed to reduce uneven semester lengths and give freshmen time to acclimate to college systems such as Moodle. “Calendar option A has us beginning school on August 13 with a stagger,” Dr. Ayers said during the presentation.

Board members discussed how state law mandates the earliest allowable start date (the Monday closest to Aug. 25) and how many districts across North Carolina have adopted non‑legislative calendars. Dr. Ayers told the board that while most districts that previously adopted student‑centered calendars have not faced consequences, the state could impose financial penalties, including withholding salaries of certain administrators, if a district chose a calendar outside the legislative schedule.

Supporters on the board argued the student‑centered option evens instructional time between semesters and preserves parent‑conference days for early‑grade teachers. A motion to adopt draft Option A was made and approved by voice vote.

The board’s adoption means the district will maintain staggered starts for kindergarten and specific parent‑teacher conference days; the calendar also couples some local breaks with Southwestern Community College to help students taking concurrent classes. The board agreed to revisit multi‑year calendars in the coming year but approved a one‑year plan for 2026–27 to allow families and staff earlier notice.

The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Feb. 24; a joint work session with the Board of Commissioners to discuss major building projects is set for Jan. 22 at 6 p.m.