The Natchitoches Parish School Board voted to table consideration of the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 academic calendars during its Jan. 20 meeting, following a divided discussion over planning timelines, instructional structure, and the purpose of the district calendar.
Board members first addressed the proposed 2026–2027 calendar, with a motion made to delay approval until a future meeting. Supporters of tabling said the calendar had only recently been distributed and warranted additional review. Some members expressed concern that the calendar appeared to prioritize employee scheduling rather than student needs and said more time was needed to fully evaluate its impact.
Opposing members argued that delaying approval undermines long-term planning for families and staff.
They noted that many surrounding school districts finalize calendars earlier in the year and that approving a calendar well in advance helps parents, teachers, and students plan vacations, medical appointments, and extracurricular commitments. Several members said tabling the calendar created the appearance of disorganization and prolonged an issue that had already been discussed at the committee level.
The board voted by roll call to table the 2026–2027 calendar.
A similar discussion followed for the 2027–2028 calendar, which had been presented alongside the earlier year as part of a proposed two-year calendar plan. Members who opposed tabling said adopting a two-year calendar would reduce repeated annual debates and provide greater consistency for district families. Others maintained that if the first calendar was delayed, the second should be handled the same way.
The board again voted to table the item.
The calendar discussion built on issues raised during a Jan. 13 committee meeting, where district leaders outlined the rationale behind the proposed calendar structure. Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi and staff explained that professional development days were consolidated at the beginning of the school year to reduce shortened instructional weeks scattered throughout the fall. District officials said teachers had previously expressed a preference for a full fall break rather than multiple three- and four-day weeks.
Administrators also noted that remaining shortened weeks are driven by legal holidays and required parent-teacher conferences, which will continue in their current format to accommodate families with varied work schedules. District leaders said the calendar complies with state instructional requirements and has not negatively impacted academic performance.
According to information shared at the committee meeting, the district’s alignment with neighboring systems has also contributed to improved teacher recruitment and retention, reducing losses to nearby districts.
No date was set for when the calendars will return to the board for consideration.
