Superintendent opens public hearing on two‑year calendars; 2026-27 may start Sept. 2 because of fair

The superintendent opened the public hearing required by Ohio Revised Code section 331.1348 and outlined a proposed two‑year calendar the district intends to recommend for formal adoption at the January board meeting. He said planning two years ahead gives families and staff more certainty and noted the district would count allowable parent‑teacher conferences and teacher in‑service days toward minimum instructional requirements when applicable.

"This is the public hearing on these calendars; this is the time to do that," the superintendent said. He explained that the 2026‑27 school year would start Sept. 2 because the Portage County Fair falls late that year, resulting in a shorter winter and spring break than usual. He said the calendars include 182 work days for teachers to match the collective bargaining agreement and that the proposed calendars provide substantial hours above the state minimum (116 hours above minimum for K–6, 105 hours above for grades 7–12 in the presented plan).

Board members and attendees asked questions about whether the late start meant Sept. 2, how spring break would be reduced, and whether taking shorter breaks would push the end of the school year into late June. The superintendent reviewed options — including shifting days or adding days at the end of the year — and said no action was required at this meeting; he will recommend formal adoption in January and asked anyone with concerns to raise them before then.

The superintendent also said the district solicited feedback from the bargaining unit during development of the calendars and incorporated some of that feedback into the drafts presented.

The hearing remained open for public comment and questions; no adoption vote was held at this session.