Lexington 2 board approves 2025–26 and 2026–27 calendars after debate, 6–1

The Lexington County School District Two Board of Trustees voted 6–1 on Nov. 21 to adopt "Option A" calendars for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 school years.

Superintendent Dr. McDonald told trustees the calendars were developed by a committee of principals, teachers and three community members and complied with South Carolina requirements for a minimum of 180 school days and 1,800 instructional minutes. He said the administration received 208 survey responses and recommended Option A for both years because it balanced semesters and allowed school to end before Memorial Day in 2027.

Trustee Miss Williams moved to accept the administration’s recommendation; the motion was seconded and carried after a roll-call discussion. Trustee 18 unsuccessfully moved to postpone and later cast the lone dissent. "I am not comfortable doing 2 years worth right now," the trustee said, arguing the board needed more data before approving two years at once and asking for additional workshop review in January.

Board members debated several operational points: whether makeup days should be in-person rather than e-learning, how half-days and early-release days affect the 1,800-minute requirement, and whether multiple high-school bell schedules should be harmonized. Dr. McDonald said professional development and schedule mechanics drive some early-release decisions and that the administration would continue to refine start times and high-school schedules.

The motion carried, 6–1. The board set a January workshop to review timing, bell schedules and other implementation details before the calendars take effect.