At the Nov. 18, 2025 Board of Education meeting, the Calendar Committee co-chairs shared the first reading of the proposed school calendar for the 2026-27 academic year. The Board will consider the calendar for approval at its December meeting. We want to ensure families and staff are aware of the proposed changes, particularly the later start to the school year, so you can plan ahead.
What’s proposed for 2026-27
The recommended calendar reflects feedback from employees, families, and past community surveys, as well as state instructional-time requirements and PSD’s employee agreement. Key updates include:
- A later first day of school for all students: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026
- This proposal pushes the start of school later by one week. Beginning later helps reduce potential heat-related impacts at a time when temperatures in early August can be highest. Staff would begin the year with several non-student days clustered in mid-August for planning, professional learning, and building preparation.
- A transition day is scheduled for 6th and 9th graders on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
- Fall break and winter break
- The calendar preserves a five-day fall break in October and a two-week winter break in December—both consistently identified as community priorities.
- The calendar preserves a five-day fall break in October and a two-week winter break in December—both consistently identified as community priorities.
- Non-student contact days spaced strategically
- Workdays, professional learning days, and exchange days are grouped to ease childcare challenges, support staff professional learning, and balance instructional time across semesters. Elementary-specific days are included for conferences and end-of-year preparation, while secondary schools maintain consistent semester transitions.
- Workdays, professional learning days, and exchange days are grouped to ease childcare challenges, support staff professional learning, and balance instructional time across semesters. Elementary-specific days are included for conferences and end-of-year preparation, while secondary schools maintain consistent semester transitions.
- Semester timing designed to meet state requirements
- The first semester would run Aug. 19 through Dec. 18 to ensure required instructional hours are met before winter break.
A full overview of the proposed non-student contact days, including building/work (B/W) days, workdays, conference days, and professional learning days, is available in the attached materials shared with the Board.
What comes next
The Board of Education will hold the second reading and vote on the 2026-27 calendar at the December 9, 2025 Board of Education meeting. Once approved, the calendar will be published on the PSD website in January. School- and department-specific calendars will follow in the spring.
Thank you for your partnership as we plan ahead for the 2026-27 school year. We will keep you updated as the Board moves toward final approval.