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Student rep backs calendar that adds monthly rest days, board to seek teacher feedback
Summary
Central York student junior representative Ria Baracos told the board she supports the proposed 2026–27 calendar that adds a monthly day off and a Dec. 23 holiday; administrators said full professional development days and reduced half-days have improved teacher engagement, and board members asked for formal teacher feedback before final approval.
A high school junior told the Central York School District board that the proposed 2026–27 calendar — which restores a consolidated spring break, adds a December 23 holiday and includes at least one day off per month — would help students recharge and improve productivity.
"Having at least one day off a month helps students ... it lets me relax for an extra day but at the same time I'm ready and refreshed when I come back to school," junior representative Ria Baracos said during the calendar discussion.
Administrators described largely positive, anecdotal feedback from teachers about replacing many half-days with full professional development days. "Teachers felt pressured on half-days; having full days for professional development allowed more diverse offerings and deeper engagement," an administrator identified as Kev said. Board members asked staff to run a formal feedback loop with teachers before finalizing the calendar.
Board members noted potential downsides for year-long courses and testing schedules that sometimes fall close to long breaks, and they asked administrators to examine the impacts on AP courses and keystone testing. Staff said they will revisit middle-school curriculum timing and coordinate with upcoming curriculum reviews.
No final vote on the calendar was recorded at this meeting; the item remained in discussion pending additional teacher input and any necessary scheduling adjustments.
