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After public criticism, Manheim Township board approves 2026–27 calendar and members call for earlier engagement
Summary
Following public comment that the proposed 2026–27 academic calendar did not reflect survey results, the board debated stakeholder engagement and approved the calendar; trustees urged process changes so future calendars reach the community earlier.
The Manheim Township School Board approved the proposed 2026–27 academic calendar after a robust public and board discussion about timeliness, community input and religious observances.
Resident Soroya Hintz told the board that survey results showed a majority of staff and families favored a spring break but the proposed calendar "is minimally reflective of that input." She urged greater transparency and earlier public access to proposed calendars so families could meaningfully respond before the board acted. "Why ask our thoughts if there was no plan to actually follow through with the requested change by the majority of responders?" she asked during public comment.
Board members acknowledged the feedback and debated options. Several trustees praised the incremental changes made this year and commended staff, while others said the engagement timeline should be moved earlier and suggested creating a standing calendar committee that includes parents, teachers and union representatives. Administration noted the version before the board had incorporated prior stakeholder feedback and recommended approval unless the board moved to amend it tonight.
After extended discussion on process improvements and representation — including concerns about scheduling evening events on religious observance nights — the board voted to approve the calendar by voice vote; the motion carried.
Board members asked staff to review the calendar planning timeline and bring forward process changes to allow earlier community input for future years, and several trustees signaled support for targeted steps to ensure key religious and community observances are considered when scheduling evening events.
The board asked administration to explore how to broaden stakeholder representation next year so that a wider cross-section of families and staff have an earlier opportunity to review draft calendars.
