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Superintendent opens public hearing on two‑year school calendars; board will consider adoption in January
Summary
The superintendent presented proposed two‑year calendars and opened the required public hearing under Ohio law, explaining a late 2026 start tied to the county fair, proposed instructional‑hour counts above the state minimum, and the district’s plan to ask the board to adopt the calendars at its January organizational meeting.
Superintendent Sean told the Waterloo Local Board of Education at its meeting that the district intends to adopt school calendars two years at a time and opened the public hearing required by Ohio Revised Code Section 33.13.48.
"I do intend to continue this practice ensuring that we consistently operate for two years," Sean said, explaining that planning two years ahead allows families, staff and the community to make long‑range plans. He said the proposed calendars meet the statutory minimums — 910 hours for kindergarten through sixth grade and 1,001 hours for seventh through 12th — while generally preserving the district’s tradition of starting school after the Portis County Fair.
The 2026–27 calendar is unusual, Sean said, because a later county fair would push the start into late September. That shift shortens winter and spring breaks so the district can still conclude the year in early June. He described how conference and comp days can be counted toward the minimum and answered questions about which specific dates would be affected, saying the board will take formal action at the January organizational meeting.
Board members asked about alternatives — shortening other breaks or moving the school year end — and staff explained tradeoffs for instructional time and family expectations. Several board members and staff emphasized the district had solicited teacher and administrative feedback while drafting the calendars.
No vote on adoption occurred at the public hearing; the superintendent said he will bring a formal adoption recommendation to the January meeting after allowing time for additional feedback.
The hearing was held as part of the regular board meeting; public comments and board questions were invited before a motion to adopt is considered.
