The Storm Lake Community School District Board of Education has set the public hearing date for next year’s school calendar, clearing the way for a final decision on two proposed versions that differ mainly in the length of winter break.
Superintendent Dr. Stacey Cole told the board one version of the 2026-27 calendar sends students to school two additional days before Christmas. The other gives families a longer holiday break but pushes the end of the school year two days later.
Cole said the district’s newer approach to professional development—tying PD days to high school trimesters—limits how much the calendar can shift.
Graduation will remain May 16 in both versions, despite a brief mix-up in one draft that listed May 17.
During the discussion, Cole raised concerns about a separate statewide proposal that would expand mandatory “dead weeks,” periods when school facilities must remain closed to students. She said such policies disproportionately affect communities without alternative youth spaces, like Storm Lake.
Cole said the district sees increased student instability during long breaks, and limiting access to safe spaces could worsen that.
After discussion, the board voted unanimously to set the public hearing for March 18. The hearing will take place during the board’s regular meeting.
