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Board approves 2026–27 academic calendar with optional staff day
Summary
After discussion about caregiver conference scheduling and staff preferences, the board approved the 2026–27 academic calendar; staff may choose either September 4 or June 28 as the required work day to meet contractual days, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Ithaca City School District board approved the 2026–27 academic calendar at its March 10 meeting after a staff presentation and board discussion about scheduling options and family access to conferences.
District staff (introduced in the meeting transcript as Mary, speaker 14) described a change that gives staff a choice between September 4 or June 28 to meet the 186 required workdays. The change responds to feedback from educators: some preferred an earlier start while others preferred ending closer to students’ last day. "Now they have a choice: to meet the 186 workdays, they can either come September 4, or they may choose to come June 28," the presenter said.
Board members raised related concerns during discussion: how to make caregiver conference half days meaningful for secondary families, whether to stagger periods across two conference days so parents can meet more teachers, and how to improve communication about Canvas and conference scheduling. Staff agreed to consult building leadership on tracking and to explore workshops and asynchronous materials for families.
The motion to approve the calendar was moved and seconded and passed unanimously. Board members were reminded the adopted calendar can be revised later if circumstances require it.
