Pearland Independent School District adjusted its calendar for the second semester of the 2016-17 school year.

Effective Jan. 3, all campuses will add five minutes to the school day for all grade levels.

The change will affect the number of days students have to attend school. The final day of the 2016-17 school year will now be May 26; it was originally scheduled for June 2.

High school graduation is also scheduled on May 26 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

The calendar changes come after PISD board trustees approved the measure at the Nov. 15 board meeting.

Trustees discussed the merits of the change during the meeting; Superintendent John Kelly said trustees had made a request for the earlier release date. The board also brought up concerns with the change, citing concerns about how the change could impact parents’ schedules.

School districts around the state have adjusted their calendars in light of legislative changes. Prior to 2015, school districts were legally bound
to provide 180 days of instruction.

After House Bill 2610 passed in 2015, school districts were given more flexibility. Instead of 180 days, districts now have to provide 75,600 minutes of instruction.

The changes give districts flexibility in cases of inclement weather like prolonged flood days. The went into effect at the start of the 2016-17 school year.

New Bell Schedule

Elementary schools: 8 a.m.-3:10 p.m.
Middle/Junior high schools: 8:35 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
High schools: 7:15 a.m.-2:25 p.m.
PACE Center: 8:35 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Meetings

Pearland ISD
PISD Educational Support Center
Dec. 16 at 7p.m.
1928 N. Main St., Pearland