Jenkintown SD approves two-year calendars, shifts start to week before Labor Day

The Jenkintown SD board voted to approve two years of school calendars, moving the first day of school to the week before Labor Day for the next two school years. The board announced the calendars will be posted on the district website so families can plan ahead.

Board Chair (Speaker 2) said the multiyear calendars give families planning certainty and directed staff to share both calendars online. Presenter (Speaker 3) described the proposal: "This would have us starting the week before Labor Day each of the next 2 years," and said the district will treat the change as a two‑year planning approach that can be revisited as Labor Day timing shifts.

Board members discussed family impacts and excused educational travel. Presenter (Speaker 3) noted that only one family reported preexisting travel plans and that the district’s existing process for excused educational travel would remain available to families who made prior commitments. Chair (Speaker 2) said the calendars will be highlighted in the board newsletter and posted on the landing page for download; the board also asked Mr. Cummins to put both calendars on the district website for parent access.

Athletics officials and board members asked about preseason scheduling. Staff member (Speaker 1) cited DIAA dates and the practical effects on coach schedules: "Next year, all sports start on Monday, August 17; heat acclimation would be Monday, August 10," and added that some coach in‑service scheduling may shift to after‑hours practice windows.

The motion to approve two years of calendars was moved and seconded and the chair announced the motion carried. The board asked staff to communicate the change broadly to families and principals.

The district will post the approved calendars online and distribute updates via the board newsletter and principal communications.