District unveils proposed modified 2026–27 calendar, opens anonymous survey

Dr. Latoya Staggers, the district's executive director of professional development, presented two proposed options for a modified year‑round 2026–27 calendar and explained statutory calendar requirements under South Carolina law.

Staggers said the district must meet Title 59 requirements: a school term of 190 days annually with 180 instructional days, at least nine months of calendar coverage, and prescribed allocations for professional development. She noted that districts may elect a modified year‑round calendar, which permits a start before the third Monday in August. "The first day of school for teachers will be July the 23rd, 2026, and the first day of school for students will be August 1st, 2026," Staggers said. She also listed teacher and student last days (teachers June 2, 2027; students May 28, 2027).

The presentation explained required inclement‑weather makeup days (three mandatory days) and three required half days, and that Williamsburg County has identified as an e‑learning district allowing use of e‑learning for some closures. The two options differ on spring break timing: Calendar A places spring break before Easter (March 22–29, 2027) while Calendar B places it after Easter.

Staggers told board members the district will solicit feedback with an anonymous survey that opens Feb. 24 and runs through March 7. The survey will be distributed via the district website, PowerSchool emails to parents, all‑staff email, and hard copies available at school front offices. "Our voice is important in this survey," Staggers said, urging participation.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the earlier spring break timing and Staggers explained the date choice is driven by Easter's placement on the calendar this year.

Next steps: the district will collect survey responses during the two‑week window and report results to the board for final calendar selection.