La Crosse board votes to request Aug. 20, 2026 school start, citing private-school transportation costs

The La Crosse School District board adopted a resolution asking the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to approve an earlier 2026–27 school start date — August 20, 2026 — citing the statutory waiver provision for "excessive costs associated with the transportation of pupils who attend private schools." The president read the resolution aloud and administration explained the district's prior waiver experience.

The resolution text, read at the meeting, states in part: "Be it resolved that the school district of Lacrosse is officially requesting approval to commence the school term prior to September 1st to alleviate the excessive costs associated with transporting pupils who attend private schools prior to September 1st by commencing the 2026–27 school year on August 20th, 2026." The read text also indicated the district had 1,460 pupils (25%) attending private schools located in the district, which the resolution identifies as the cost driver.

Superintendent Dr. Engel reviewed the district's process: teacher and family surveys, prior DPI waiver approval last year, and a desire to maintain a full spring break and an earlier end to the school year. Student representatives offered mixed perspective: some seniors welcomed an earlier end; others raised athletic-scheduling impacts. Board members discussed the difficulty of coordinating with private schools and the financial calculus of transportation costs.

The board moved and seconded the resolution and approved it by roll call. Those recorded responding "I" included the board members called during the roll call. Administration said it would submit the waiver request to DPI consistent with statutory procedures.

Authorities cited in the meeting: Wisconsin Statute section 118.045 and Department of Public Instruction chapter PI27 (commencement of school term).