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Board adopts instructional calendar after debate over midweek start and childcare options
Summary
After extended discussion and public comment the board approved the 2026–27 instructional calendar that starts midweek in August; trustees and staff discussed childcare access for working parents and a plan to partner with the Boys & Girls Club and to use school spaces for pre-service childcare.
The Burbank Unified School Board adopted a 2026–27 instructional calendar at its Feb. 5 meeting after a lengthy public hearing and debate about midweek start dates and childcare availability for families.
The proposed calendar includes a midweek start in August with pre‑service days preceding student first day. Several trustees and community members said a midweek start strains working parents and asked whether district staff had coordinated alternative childcare. Trustee Weisberg said she wanted confirmation that childcare would be available before approving the calendar; district staff said they have discussed options with the Boys & Girls Club and plan to use school spaces (childcare classrooms and bungalows at sites) and to fund childcare through Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) monies.
"We will use space at schools…and Boys & Girls Club will pick up childcare on pre‑service days," interim superintendent Kanapik said, adding that staff would survey families to collect contact information and needs. Staff said they will prioritize staff needs for any limited slots.
Board members also asked for earlier calendar notice and stronger working‑parent representation on the calendar committee, which includes union and PTA representatives under the collective-bargaining framework. Several trustees urged that next year’s process produce a two‑year calendar option or earlier release to allow families to plan.
The calendar passed 4–1 after discussion and an amendment; one trustee recorded a no vote explicitly citing concerns about early August starts and midweek starts.
Next steps: staff will distribute a family survey to gauge childcare need and finalize arrangements with Boys & Girls Club and site spaces; trustees requested that the calendar committee consider additional parent representation and present earlier calendar proposals next year.
