The Pearland Independent School District adjusted its school 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. The final day of the 2016-17 school year will be May 26; it was originally scheduled for June 2.
High school graduation is also scheduled on May 26 at NRG Stadium.
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, as 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 with parents’ schedules being affected.
The schedule adjustment will take affect when students return from holiday break, beginning Jan. 3. The new bell schedule is as follows:
- 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.
School districts around the state have adjusted their calendars in light of legislative changes. Prior to 2015, school districts were legally bound to providing 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.
This gives districts flexibility in cases of inclement weather, like prolonged flood days. The law became effective for the 2016-17 school year.
