The Rapid City Area Schools Board unanimously approved the 2026–27 academic calendar, featuring a later start date of Aug. 24, 2026, and an end date of May 31, 2027—five and six days later, respectively, than the previous year.
Key Changes include Spring Break remains six days around Easter, with April 23 and 26 set as makeup days to preserve the break in case of snow days. Winter Break is shortened from 11 to 10 days. High school graduation is scheduled for May 23, 2027. Two professional development days were converted into additional student contact days. Student days increase to 168 for elementary and 170 for high school, up from 166 and 168.
The calendar was shaped by a 30-member committee of educators, parents, and administrators. Superintendent Jami Jo Thompson initiated the collaborative process after heat-related closures at the start of the current school year highlighted the need for a later start. Of the two final calendar options, 65% of staff and parents favored the chosen version.
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