Rapid City Area Schools may start later next year. On Wednesday, staff received two draft calendars from the superintendent’s committee. Calendar A proposes an August 24, 2026 start with a May 27, 2027 end. Calendar B pushes the start to August 31, 2026, ending June 3, 2027.
Superintendent Jami Jo Thompson said the committee—made up of staff, administrators, and parents—reviewed four drafts before narrowing it down. Staff are encouraged to share feedback with their representatives.
Thompson noted the committee’s goal is to recommend a calendar that balances student and community needs with legal and contractual requirements. The idea of a later start gained traction after heat-related closures affected the first two days of the current school year, highlighting that ten district schools lack adequate air conditioning.
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