After the School Board approved the 2026–27 calendar last week, the District heard from many families, staff, and community partners. The feedback was clear: the change to the start of the school year did not provide enough notice.

The District understands that many families and partner organizations have already adjusted plans and schedules. The disruption this caused is taken seriously.

A revised recommendation is being brought forward to address those concerns while still supporting student learning.

The additional three instructional days were part of a recently finalized agreement with the Anchorage Education Association. Because that agreement was reached in the Spring 2026 semester, it required decisions to be made outside of the typical timeline. 

In a typical year, the District gathers feedback from families and works through a district calendar committee before bringing a recommendation to the School Board. This year’s timeline did not allow for that same level of advance engagement. 

While the decision to add instructional time was made to benefit students, we recognize that families did not receive the notice they expect. We are committed to improving this process moving forward by strengthening community engagement and increasing transparency in calendar development.

Teachers’ first day: Friday, August 14, 2026

Students (Grades 1–6 & 9): Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Students (Grades 7–8 & 10–12): Thursday, August 20, 2026

Last day for students: Friday, May 28, 2027

Last day for teachers: Tuesday, June 1, 2027

The additional instructional days are part of the recently approved agreement with the Anchorage Education Association and reflect a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for student learning. 

Time in the classroom is one of the most important drivers of student success,  supporting improved learning, consistent progress, and better academic outcomes. Maintaining these days ensures we are meeting contractual requirements while continuing to prioritize strong academic outcomes for students. 

The original recommendation placed the additional days at the beginning of the school year based on input from the calendar committee. This approach helped balance instructional time between the first and second semesters, supporting pacing and continuity of learning. 

After hearing feedback from families about planning impacts, the District is bringing forward a revised recommendation that maintains the additional days while returning the start of school to August 19th.

Families and partner organizations are encouraged to wait for the School Board’s final decision on Tuesday, April 21st 2026 before making any additional changes to plans or schedules.

The District is reviewing the calendar process to make it more accessible and transparent.

This includes improving the calendar committee and creating clear opportunities for community members to apply and participate in future decisions.

Future school year calendars will continue to include the additional instructional days outlined in the most recent agreement. 

The School Board approved the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school year calendars at its April 6 meeting. While the board retains the ability to revise calendars, the District plans to move forward with the 2027-28 and 2028-29 calendars as approved.

The new recommendation adds the three additional instructional days to the last quarter instead of the first.

The School Board is scheduled to vote on Memo #160 as an Action Item during the April 21, 2026 School Board meeting.

Community members can share feedback in the following ways:

• Email the School Board: SchoolBoard@asdk12.org 

Testify at the School Board meeting (in person, by phone, or in writing):
https://www.asdk12.org/school-board/board-meetings/testify-at-a-meeting