The KISD board of trustees adopted the 2017-18 academic calendar in March, using a District of Innovation exemption to begin the school year earlier than the date required by the Texas Education Agency.

The 2017-18 school year will begin on Aug. 21, before the earliest TEA-mandated date of the fourth Monday in August, according to the approved calendar. The fourth Monday in August will be Aug. 28.

The district conducted a survey of district residents and employees and held several meetings to discuss those results before creating the academic calendar.

The final calendar includes more opportunities for teachers and staff to pursue professional development throughout the school year. The 2017-18 school year will also include 10 additional instructional minutes each day to provide a built-in inclement weather day and a full week off for Thanksgiving, said Judy Rimato, associate superintendent for communications and planning in KISD.