Fall Break could come one week later than usual next year for Daviess County Public Schools due to a potential later starting date. The Daviess County Public Schools Board of Education on Tuesday reviewed the proposed 2025-26 academic calendar, and a vote is scheduled for Thursday.
Matt Mason, DCPS assistant superintendent of student services, presented the proposal during the board luncheon.
The proposed calendar calls for students to start school on August 12, 2025, and conclude on May 15, 2026. Due to potentially starting a few days later next year, Mason said the proposal calls for Fall Break to run from October 13-17, 2025.
“Fall Break would be moved back a week from what we’re originally used to. That’s because of the nine weeks. So if we start school a little later, the nine weeks will end a little bit later,” Mason said.
Christmas Break would remain largely unchanged, spanning December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with students returning on January 5. Spring Break is slated for April 6-10 in the proposed calendar.
Mason said the proposed calendar adheres to a traditional 170-day format. He said the committee considered alternative calendar options, including a variable calendar with fewer instructional days. While smaller districts like Hancock County and Muhlenberg County are exploring such options, Mason emphasized that the logistical complexities for larger districts such as DCPS make the traditional format the better option.
The calendar committee included teachers, parents, administrators, and community representatives to ensure broad input. Mason expressed gratitude for their thorough discussions, which also addressed professional development opportunities and the needs of both students and staff.
The DCPS board is expected to vote on the proposal during their regularly scheduled meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Central Office.
Owensboro Public Schools has not publicly discussed its 2025-26 academic calendar proposal. It will be presented as a draft at the December luncheon and for approval at the December board meeting,
