Board converts Feb. 13 PD day into student day, hears first read of 2026–27 calendars
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Summary
Superintendent recommended and the board approved making Feb. 13 a regular student day to recover instruction time; staff also presented a first read of multiple 2026–27 calendars (Eastfield, early college and traditional) for action in March.
The McDowell County Schools Board approved a calendar adjustment to convert Feb. 13, previously a professional development day, into a regular school day.
Superintendent Dr. Grit said the change was intended to give parents and students needed instructional time following recent lost days and that staff had already notified parents about the likely adjustment. "My request is that we make that adjustment to the calendar," he said. Miss Helms moved to approve the change and Mr. Shuford seconded; the board approved the motion by an 8–0 vote.
District staff also provided a first read of the 2026–27 calendars for various school models — Eastfield Global Magnet, early college/MAI/MEC and the traditional calendar. Presenters reviewed start and end dates, required instructional-day rules (215-day rule for teachers; 185 student days/1,025 hours for the traditional calendar), PD days and testing windows. No board action was taken on the 2026–27 calendars at this meeting; staff will return for action in March.
Board members asked clarifying questions about testing windows and the practical impact on semester scheduling at McDowell High School; staff said they will bring final calendars for official adoption next month.