Spring ISD board OKs optional flexible school day pilot and expanded school-year plan for three campuses

The Spring Independent School District board unanimously approved two calendar and program items on June 9: the 2026–27 Optional Flexible School Day program renewal and an expanded additional‑day school‑year pilot for three ATS campuses that would add up to 25 instructional days.

Dr. Michael Keane, chief of innovation and student support services, described the Optional Flexible School Day program as a recurring application that allows flexible hours and days for students enrolled in approved innovative campus plans, TA‑designated early college high schools, or community-based dropout recovery education programs. He said the program’s purpose is to give districts flexibility to structure instruction creatively while meeting credit and attendance rules.

Trustee New House moved the motion to approve the flexible‑day program and Trustee Koreah seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Trustees asked about teacher selection and whether teacher effectiveness is part of eligibility; administrators replied selection is typically campus-driven and that teachers who participate are generally designated by their campus or chosen based on experience with program needs. Administrators said funding for the program comes from average daily attendance (ADA) and is not a separate grant.

On the additional‑day calendar for ATS campuses (BAMO Elementary, Booker Elementary and Heritage Elementary), administration proposed adding up to 25 extra days to the school year and shifting certain built-in breaks to create enrichment and academically focused summer programs. The administration described the days as an enrichment/academic extension that would be optional for students; teachers will opt in to teach and may be paid additional stipends (administrators cited pay up to $10,000 for summer teachers).

Trustees discussed how the district would prioritize students if participation exceeded projections; administrators said teachers at the affected campuses would be prioritized for assignments but the district could recruit teachers from other campuses if needed. Trustees also referenced prior experience with extended-day pilots and urged that lessons learned be incorporated into program design, including strong community partners and clear incentives for students. The board approved the additional‑day calendar unanimously.

Administrators said further program details, including enrollment estimates by campus and partner organizations for enrichment programming, will be refined this summer, and that campuses will work with central office staff to incorporate these days into campus improvement and instructional plans.