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Taos Municipal Schools board approves 2026–27 calendar after student objections over dual-credit conflicts
Summary
The Taos Municipal Schools board voted unanimously to adopt Calendar A, placing spring break during Holy Week, after hearing students warn dual-credit classes at UNM Taos could conflict with the district schedule; district leaders said they will work with UNM to prevent students from being penalized.
The Taos Municipal Schools Board of Education voted 5–0 on March 25 to adopt the 2026–27 school calendar (Calendar A), which places spring break during Holy Week and adds a four-day break in late April or early May.
Students from Taos High School told the board the draft calendar could clash with UNM Taos dual-credit courses. "When our school's on break and college classes may still be taking roll while we are on our break in Taos High School," said student Reyana Martinez, who urged the board to align the district calendar with UNM to avoid conflicting attendance and burnout. Several other students echoed concerns that misaligned breaks have caused confusion and absences for those enrolled in college classes.
Principal Linda Quintana Martinez, who presented two committee drafts, said Calendar A was favored by committee staff voting (110 of 170 votes) because it spaces breaks to reduce long uninterrupted stretches of school that staff and students reported were linked to fatigue and rising behavioral incidents.
Superintendent Leyden recommended the board approve Calendar A and told members the district would follow up with UNM Taos to try to prevent dual-credit students from being penalized for absences during a district break. Associate Superintendent Mondragon also said district staff will coordinate with UNM to identify solutions such as alternative assignments or attendance accommodations for dual-credit students.
Board members acknowledged the tension between aligning with UNM and providing staff and student breaks. President Flores said the student presentations "weighed very heavily" in the board's deliberations but that the district must balance staff wellness and instructional minutes. After discussion the board adopted Calendar A by roll call vote: Concha — yes; King — yes; Trujillo — yes; Spray — yes; Flores — yes.
The board directed staff to follow up with UNM Taos and report back on measures to ensure dual-credit students are not marked absent or otherwise penalized because of the chosen calendar. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2026, when follow-ups and other items will be reviewed.
