Board reviews draft 2027–28 calendars and questions Pender Lea's year‑round schedule

The Pender County Schools board reviewed draft calendars for the 2027–28 school year and questioned whether Pender Lea should remain on a year‑round schedule.

Dr. Kevin Taylor presented multiple draft calendars and walked trustees through required instructional hours (1,025 hours), staff days (215), holidays and options such as early‑release days. He said drafts were shared with principals, with a timeline that includes a Committee of the Whole review on April 28, an online community survey after that (families will have until May 8 to respond), and a recommendation to the board on May 12.

Board members raised practical concerns about Pender Lea's year‑round calendar and how it affects countywide professional development and alignment with dual‑enrollment or community college schedules. "Are we seeing any academic success because of it?" one trustee asked.

Superintendent Dr. Breedlove explained that Pender Lea has used intersession weeks within its year‑round calendar to provide tutoring and extra instruction. "They are utilizing the year‑round calendar to really shorten that gap of break for students that need the help and support the most," Breedlove said, adding that the school had seen gains in data and he "fully expect[s] them to be out of low‑performing at the end of the year because of the work that's being done by the teachers." Board members discussed operational challenges that a single year‑round site creates for district professional development and for staff whose schedules cross schools.

Dr. Taylor said the district will post the community survey and bring results to the board for a final calendar decision in May.