Austin ISD plans to end school year before Memorial Day after calendar review

In a recent Liberty Hill Independent School District (LHISD) Board meeting, key discussions centered around the school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year, with a focus on ending the school year before Memorial Day. The proposed changes aim to enhance instructional time while accommodating professional development for staff.

The current calendar, approved on February 18, includes 160 student days and 187 staff days, with an adjustment to the school day that adds 10 minutes to the instructional period. This adjustment is designed to bank approximately 1.2 days, but the new proposal would reduce student instructional days to 157. The rationale behind this change is to allow the school year to conclude before Memorial Day, a move that aligns LHISD with neighboring districts, most of which also end their school years early.

The board discussed the implications of this shift, noting that while the reduction in instructional days is a concern, the addition of professional learning days in May could provide valuable training for staff. These days are intended to help teachers prepare for the upcoming school year, focusing on essential areas such as data analysis and instructional practices.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the importance of communication regarding the Friday professional learning days. The district plans to offer a menu of options for these days, allowing teachers to select sessions that best meet their needs. This flexibility aims to enhance engagement and effectiveness in professional development.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact of blackout days, during which staff would not be allowed to take time off, particularly around holidays and designated professional learning days. The board emphasized the need for these parameters to ensure instructional integrity and safety within schools, especially given recent challenges with substitute teacher availability.

As the board moves forward, they will continue to gather feedback from principals and staff to refine the calendar and professional development plans. The discussions reflect a commitment to balancing instructional needs with the well-being of both students and educators, setting the stage for a productive school year ahead.