Wayne County Public Schools

Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) has narrowed 11 draft school calendar options for the Traditional Academic Calendar down to two proposed calendars for the 2026–2027 school year. This followed an expanded and comprehensive review process by the WCPS School Calendar Committee, which involved detailed discussions around school calendar law, staff development needs, and early dismissal challenges. The two drafts are now being shared by the Calendar Committee in order to garner family, staff, and community feedback before a final recommendation is made to the Wayne County Board of Education.

“In conjunction with the comprehensive review, this year’s School Calendar Committee was intentionally expanded to include a broader range of voices, which included more teachers, school administrators, district staff, parents, members of the business community, and military representatives,” stated Ken Derksen, Executive Director for Community Engagement and Student & Family Support. "While there are many similarities, the primary differences between the two calendars include when teacher workdays occur and when the last day of school occurs for students - before or after Memorial Day. We look forward to receiving family, staff, business, and community input to determine if final adjustments may be needed to a particular calendar before making a final recommendation to the Board of Education in February."

The Calendar Committee's review process began in November with a facilitated discussion focused on what is working well, challenges for families and staff, impacts on local employers and the military, and ways the school calendar can better serve the entire community. 

Elimination of Early Dismissal Days - One significant change reflected in both draft calendars is the elimination of Early Dismissal Days for district-wide staff development. Committee members unanimously agreed to discontinue early dismissals  - with the exception of the last day of each semester - due to challenges for families and employers, and logistical issues related to varying school schedules and meeting locations affecting staff participation. Instead, it was determined that having additional Teacher Workdays built into the draft calendars could be used for a combination of district-wide professional development and classroom preparation time. 

State Requirements and Semester Structure - In accordance with N.C. General Statute § 115C-84.2, the draft calendars meet all required criteria, including: A minimum of 185 instructional days or 1,025 instructional hours; A student start date no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26; A student end date no later than the Friday closest to June 11; and 215 staff days, including required leave, holidays, and optional workdays.

While semesters in the Traditional Academic Calendar are not equal in length, for the past several years WCPS has concluded the first semester before the Christmas holiday break for several important reasons: Ending the semester prior to winter break allows high schools to administer exams before the holidays; reduces the risk of weather-related disruptions; aligns more closely with Wayne Community College schedules for dual-enrolled students; and provides students and staff with a fresh start at the beginning of the new year.

Before/After Memorial Day End - Due to the late date for the Memorial Day holiday, there are two options for the last day of school for students. Draft 1 includes a traditional After Memorial Day end for students. Draft 2 includes a before Memorial Day end for students. 

Families, the business community, and the public can access the calendars and provide input by going to Draft Calendars. NOTE: WCPS Staff will be emailed a copy of the staff calendar for their review and input. The deadline for input is Sunday, January 18.