School board approves 2025-2027 calendars with Falcon days for family planning

The Faribault Public Schools Board convened on February 18, 2025, to discuss and approve the school calendars for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. A significant focus of the meeting was the feedback received from a staff survey, which garnered 182 responses and informed adjustments to the proposed calendars.

The 2025-2026 calendar includes 165 student contact days for elementary schools and 166 for secondary schools, along with 185 contract days for staff. Notably, the district will continue its "Falcon Days," which are designated for professional development and occur roughly once a month. This approach has allowed the district to comply with state requirements for professional development without significantly disrupting the school year, unlike other districts that faced challenges due to recent legislation.

Board member Dr. Moore raised concerns regarding the distribution of school days, citing complaints from parents about the number of days off, particularly in November and December. In response, the administration noted that adjustments had been made to schedule Falcon Days primarily on Fridays, allowing families to enjoy extended weekends.

The board unanimously approved the 2025-2026 calendar, followed by a motion to approve the 2026-2027 calendar, which will start before Labor Day. This two-year calendar initiative aims to facilitate better planning for families and staff. A notable change for the 2026-2027 year is the proposed shift of graduation ceremonies to Friday evenings, which is expected to increase staff participation.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's commitment to addressing community concerns while ensuring compliance with educational requirements. The approval of the two-year calendar marks a strategic move to enhance planning and coordination for the school community.