Board reviews revised 2026–27 calendar, including enrichment blocks and later high-school start

Superintendent Doctor Walters presented a revised draft of the 2026–27 school calendar and described changes made after initial feedback. The draft removes wellness and professional-development days in November and December, adds a teacher work day returning from spring break, and increases the number of Fridays in session to preserve instructional minutes.

Walters said that with those changes the district can shift Franklin High to an 8 a.m.–3 p.m. schedule and keep S.P. Morton at 9 a.m.–4 p.m., while adding an enrichment block (initially planned on some Fridays) for small-group remediation, math and reading support, art enrichment and community-hosted clubs. Curriculum lead Doctor Ricks described the enrichment block as "an extra block" that could target remediation needs with math groups, reading groups or partnerships with outside organizations.

Board discussion focused on stakeholder outreach and operational concerns. Members asked whether teachers and families had been surveyed (staff said not yet) and raised logistical questions such as after-school sports schedules and midpoint pick-ups. One board member noted concerns at the elementary level that roughly 30% of families pick up students early and asked how the enrichment block would affect such routines.

Staff response and next steps: Walters said staff will present the calendar to teachers and parents and return to the board with stakeholder feedback and a final recommendation at an upcoming meeting.