The Naperville District 203 School Board will vote later this month on a proposed 2027-28 school calendar, which calls for classes to start Aug. 12 and end May 22 and includes five emergency days if needed.
A committee of district and school administrators, teachers, union representatives, parents and guardians helped devise the calendar, which will be presented for board approval on Feb. 17.
At least one board member said she cannot support the proposal.
Holly Blastic said the start date is too early for families, who might have to forgo August vacations and family time, and ending May 22 isn’t realistic for families who rely on child care because many park district programs and summer camps don’t begin until June.
“This is just not an acceptable calendar to me,” said Blastic, adding she doesn’t believe it reflects what families need.
If school started on Aug. 18 and the first semester ended closer to Christmas, they could “get an entire week of summer back for our families,” she said.
Patrick Nolten, assistant superintendent for assessment and accountability, said the calendar is set with several parameters in mind, including starting as late as possible in August but still ending the semester before winter break so high school students can wrap up their final exams.
The district also wants to ensure each semester is as balanced as possible, he said. District policy states that there should be no more than eight days difference in school attendance days between first and second semester.
By having balanced semesters, students who are enrolled in semester-long courses are ensured to get the same experience regardless off when they take the class, Superintendent Dan Bridges said.
The calendar also sets Nov. 24-26 as Thanksgiving break, Dec. 20-Jan. 4 as winter break and March 27-31 as spring break.
Parent-teacher conferences are proposed for Oct. 7-8 and March 9-10. Students would not attend school on those days.
Election Day on March 21, 2028, would be an e-learning day for students.
Graduation dates are still to be determined.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
