Henrico Schools proposes staggered start in fall of 2026, changes to policies on staff duties

Henrico School Board members will review the proposed 2026-2027 Henrico Schools calendar, which includes a staggered start, at a March 27 work session and vote on the proposal in May.

The proposed calendar would have students in grades 1-5, 6 and 9 start school on Monday, Aug. 24, while students in grades 7, 8, and 10-12 would start school the next day on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Half of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students would also start on Aug. 24, while the remaining half would begin Aug. 25 – the half that attends Aug. 24 would not come the next day, and those who attend Aug. 25 would not attend the day before.

HCPS officials made a similar staggered start proposal for the 2025-2026 calendar last year, but the board ultimately decided against it in favor of the traditional single first day of school start. Proponents of the staggered start said the model would allow preschool and kindergarten students to get to know each other in smaller groups and introduce sixth and ninth grade students to their new schools without the larger group of upperclassmen.

However, according to community surveys conducted in the winter of 2024 and 2025, support has grown over the past year for the staggered start model. About 56% of survey participants supported the proposal in 2024, but 63% of this year's participants favored the concept, while the 28% who opposed the proposal last year has decreased to 17%.

In the 2025 survey, parents, students and staff shared their thoughts on the proposal, with some saying it could alleviate stress for younger students, others saying it may prove difficult for working parents with multiple children, and some saying that not much would change either way.

The proposed 2026-2027 calendar also would provide students and staff three half days, four professional learning days, one full clerical day and three half clerical days, two wellness days, and give staff and students off for holidays such as Yom Kippur, Diwali, and Eid al-Fitr. The last day of school would be June 4.

The school board also will review and vote on changes to the 2025-2026 school calendar at Thursday’s meeting. Revisions would add a professional learning day on Monday, Sept. 22 and make Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4 a flexible clerical day instead of a professional learning day.

Changes to teacher duties policies

At Thursday’s work session, the school board also will review changes to 16 division policies related to staff contracts and compensation, which it later will vote on in May. The changes come after HCPS announced on March 13 that the division would be modifying teacher contracts by adding a contract addendum to clarify teacher expectations and have more planning time protections.

One main change would add language stating that school principals should limit infringements on teacher planning time “to the greatest extent possible.” Revised policy also would require HCPS to compensate teachers for missed planning time in cases where teachers are asked to work weapon scanners, tutor, provide class coverage, supervise study hall, work Saturday school, or perform student activities duties.

New language also states that principals should ensure teachers are not “unduly burdened beyond the contractual requirements” by requirements to attend after-hours events.

Another change would add language stating that facilities employees, in the event of an emergency school closing, may be required to work mandatory overtime, with failure to comply resulting in disciplinary action up to and including job termination.

HCPS staffers also will present a “Legislative Wrap-Up” on the bills passed and dropped during the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session. While some of the school board’s priorities were not successful this session – such as a proposed bill to define the role of special education advocates – others received legislative support. State aid for English learner teacher payments will be increased to $1.65 million next year and a budget amendment that reduces the cap on support staff funding will provide an increase in funds for HCPS. The state budget still has to be finalized by the General Assembly.

Additionally, HCPS staff will give an update on the ongoing renovations at the Campus of Virginia Randolph. Students at the Academy at Virginia Randolph will be able to move into their new building after spring break on April 4, while all other programs will be moved into their new facilities by this December.

Liana Hardy is the Citizen’s Report for America Corps member and education reporter. Her position is dependent upon reader support; make a tax-deductible contribution to the Citizen through RFA here.