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Board hears two calendar options for 2027–28; survey favors earlier end date though administrators highlight instructional gains in longer option
Summary
Administration presented two 2027–28 calendar options: Option A adds instructional time and planning days but extends the school year into June; Option B ends earlier with fewer teacher work days. A division survey (2,432 responses, 2,678 comments) favored Option B overall; teachers preferred Option B by about two‑to‑one. Administration will return June 17 with a recommendation.
Dr. Poe presented two draft academic calendars for school year 2027–28 and shared results from a division survey that received 2,432 responses and 2,678 comments.
Option A starts two weeks before Labor Day, includes 191 teacher workdays and 177 full student days (plus 3 early releases), and increases instructional hours by roughly four full days compared with the current calendar. Option B also begins two weeks before Labor Day but has 188 teacher days (175 full student days plus 4 early releases) and ends earlier in the year, providing an earlier student‑year end date at the cost of slightly fewer instructional hours.
The survey showed 54.9% overall support for Option B and 45% for Option A. Teacher respondents were split but favored Option B by roughly 66% to 33%, citing concerns about burnout and the school year ending later with Option A despite valuing planning time. Administrators argued that Option A better preserves instructional time and aligns with pending changes that require SOL testing in the final two weeks of school; proponents said more instructional days could support student outcomes and AP testing schedules.
Board members discussed regional practices (other nearby districts’ calendars), the feasibility of starting earlier than two weeks before Labor Day (state board approval is required for a start earlier than two weeks in advance), the consequences of moving professional development days, and logistics that require months of operational planning. Several board members voiced competing priorities: more teacher planning time and structured PD versus finishing the student year earlier for families and AP students.
Dr. Poe said the administration will return on 06/17/2026 with a recommendation based on the work‑session feedback and survey results. No formal vote was taken at the work session.
