ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Big changes could be coming to the school calendar in St. Johns County, as the school board weighs options for the next two school years.
Earlier this year, the district surveyed parents, teachers, and staff about possible calendar changes. More than 5,000 people responded, with 85% backing the idea of ending the school year before Memorial Day. Many parents said the current schedule, which has students finishing in June, cuts into family plans and summer activities.
“It was pretty overwhelming. 85% of the survey voted for calendar A in 26-27 and 71% for calendar A in the 27-28,” said Ryan Player, Director of Human Resources for St. Johns County Schools.
The two main options under consideration for the 2026-2027 school year are:
- Option A: Ends the school year on May 28 and schedules hurricane makeup days during Thanksgiving break.
- Option B: Ends the school year on June 1, with hurricane makeup days during winter break.
For the 2027-2028 school year, Option A and Option B both end on May 26.
Both options include a full two-week winter break and an entire week off for Thanksgiving—changes many parents have requested.
“There were a lot of parents who were upset about taking Veterans Day as a makeup day for hurricanes, and the surveys reflected that parents wanted to have two full weeks for Christmas as well as get out before Memorial Day,” said St. Johns County parent Tamara Haleem.
Maureen Fischer, another St. Johns County parent who got the chance to fill out the school calendar survey back in May, said, “I really like having the two weeks off at Christmas.”
Community members who haven’t weighed in yet still have time to share their opinions. “I think there’s still time; they can reach out to their school board member,” Player said.
The school board is expected to vote on the new calendars at its Sept. 11 meeting. If approved, the changes would take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
Let us know which option you prefer by voting in the poll above (be sure to submit your entry) and then leaving a comment explaining your decision!