The West Chester Area School District Teaching, Learning & Equity Committee on a 3–0 voice vote approved a draft 2026–27 school calendar that proposes Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, as the first day of classes, two weeks before Labor Day on Sept. 7.

The vote followed public comment and an extended committee discussion about disruptions posed by the proposed schedule. Kathy Bachelor of Thornbury Township told the committee she “nearly fell out of my seat” on seeing the draft because it starts two weeks before Labor Day and, she said, “it violates board policy 803.” She urged the calendar committee to consider starting one week before Labor Day and restoring a full week for spring break.

Dr. Missett, who presented the second reading of the draft, said the calendar presented tonight is a draft and that changes were made after the first reading. He outlined changes including a reduced spring break from a full week, an added e‑learning day on May 17, two built‑in snow days and three final half days in June. He also said 52 staff and 233 families responded to a district survey about the draft.

Board members and staff discussed operational constraints that shaped the proposed dates, including ongoing elementary‑school renovations and limited time for contractors if the year ends late, and whether in‑service days should be scheduled on Mondays or Fridays to limit mid‑week disruption. One board member noted the state does not treat Easter as a federal holiday and suggested aligning fewer religious holidays with the state calendar to gain consistency; others pointed to the district’s multicultural population as a reason to retain inclusive holiday dates.

Dr. Missett said the committee would not finalize adoption this month and planned to wait until early next year to collect more county data and engage neighboring districts before the district takes final action.

The committee’s approval is for the draft calendar only; staff said an official adoption vote will come after additional review.