PRESENTING OPTIONS — Kristin Bissett, director of federal programs, student services and assessment for Hancock County Schools, discussed the options being considered for the school district’s 2026-27 calendar. A second public hearing, as required by law, will be held at a later time. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — While many thoughts might still be focused on winter weather this week, officials with Hancock County Schools are preparing the calendar for the next school year.

Prior to Monday’s regular meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education, officials held a public hearing to discuss proposals for the 2026-2027 school calendar.

“This is the first of two we are required to have,” noted Walter Saunders, superintendent of Hancock County Schools.

A committee organized to formulate options for the calendar began meeting last fall, sending out a survey in December to receive thoughts from the community, according to Kristin Bissett, director of federal programs, student services and assessment.

The first proposal would have had faculty and staff reporting Aug. 11, with students beginning Aug. 19, and the school year finishing at the end of May.

The second would have begun with faculty and staff reporting Aug. 17, but the school year ending June 4.

“We put both of those calendars out,” Bissett said, explaining of the 1,046 responses received, 774 were in favor of having the later start and end to the school year.

One hurdle, which resulted in the creation of a “Version 3” calendar, was the realization of the proposed spring break conflicting with scheduled SAT preparation for the county’s high school juniors, as well as not being in line with the Easter holiday.

Board Vice President Ed Fields asked about the plans for high school graduations, noting they often conflict with post-season tournaments for spring sports.

To avoid such a conflict this year, officials have proposed holding commencement exercises for Oak Glen and Weir High on May 30, which will be a Sunday in 2027.

“Graduation cannot be more than five days before the end of the year for the other students,” Bissett said.

The proposed calendar would include Aug. 17 as the first day for the employment term, Aug. 21 as the first day of the instructional term, with students reporting Aug. 24. The last instructional day would be June 4, with the last day of the employment term as June 14.

The Thanksgiving holiday will be observed the week of Nov. 23. Christmas break will begin with an early dismissal Dec. 18, with students returning Jan. 4. Spring break will take place around the Easter holiday beginning March 26 and lasting a week.