Our Exploration Process
Our Exploration Process
Exploring a different academic calendar requires careful planning, research, and input from the people it could affect.
Monett Schools is taking a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to determine whether a 150-Day Academic Calendar could be a viable option for our students, families, staff, and community.
No decision has been made. This process is designed to help us ask questions, identify challenges, explore possible solutions, and better understand what would be needed before any future decision is considered.
1. Listen & Learn
The exploration began by listening to staff and identifying areas where additional time, support, collaboration, intervention, and professional learning could benefit students and employees. From there, district leaders began researching alternative calendar models and considering what a different school calendar could look like for Monett Schools.
2. Research & Design
Six design teams were created to take a closer look at different parts of a potential 150-day calendar:
- Curriculum & Pacing
- Intervention & Enrichment
- Assessment & Accountability
- Staffing & Operational Impact
- Family & Community Impact
- Financial & Strategic Analysis
Each team is working through questions, logistics, potential challenges, and possible solutions within its area. This work is helping the district move beyond the calendar itself and examine what would be required to support students, families, and staff throughout the school year.
3. Share Information & Gather Feedback
As the exploration continues, families and community members will receive additional information about what is being considered, including the potential calendar structure, student programming, family considerations, and other important details. There will also be opportunities to ask questions, share concerns, and provide feedback. Community feedback is an important part of this process and will help identify questions or considerations that may need further study.
4. Review What We Learn
Information gathered through research, design team work, data, and community feedback will be reviewed together. The goal is not simply to determine whether a 150-day calendar can work. We also need to understand what it would take for it to work well for Monett students, families, staff, and our community. If significant concerns or challenges are identified, they will be part of that consideration.
Our Exploration Phases
Exploring a different academic calendar takes time, research, and careful planning. To keep the process organized, our work is divided into four phases. Each phase helps us answer important questions, prepare for the next step, and keep staff, families, and our community informed along the way.
September – December 2026
Our six design teams are researching different parts of the proposed 150-Day Academic Calendar. Teams are identifying questions, studying possible challenges, and gathering information.
By the end of this phase, we expect to have a clearer understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and considerations associated with a 150-Day Academic Calendar. If the findings and recommendations from the design teams support continued exploration, the district would move forward to Phase 2.
January – February 2027
During this phase, teams will review what we learned during the fall and take a closer look at possible solutions.
This work will include gathering additional feedback, identifying what would be needed for implementation, coordinating plans across teams, and preparing information for Board consideration.
If the findings and recommendations from this phase support moving forward, district leadership and design teams would bring the proposed 150-Day Academic Calendar to the Board of Education for consideration.
Target: February 18, 2027
District leadership will bring together the work of all six design teams for the Board of Education to consider whether the district should move forward with the 150-Day Academic Calendar.
If the Board approves moving forward, the district would begin Phase 3: Prepare & Transition.
March – July 2027
If the Board approves moving forward, the district will begin preparing for the transition.
This phase would include finalizing procedures, preparing programs and services, communicating with families and staff, coordinating transportation and student supports, and making sure the district is ready for the new calendar.
Beginning August 2027
If approved, the new academic calendar would begin with the 2027–2028 school year.
During the first year, the district would continue gathering feedback, reviewing how the calendar is working, and making adjustments when needed.
Throughout every phase, communication will continue. As questions are answered and plans become clearer, we will continue updating our website, FAQs, and family communications so our community can follow the process.
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September – December 2026
Our six design teams are researching different parts of the proposed 150-Day Academic Calendar. Teams are identifying questions, studying possible challenges, and gathering information.
By the end of this phase, we expect to have a clearer understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and considerations associated with a 150-Day Academic Calendar. If the findings and recommendations from the design teams support continued exploration, the district would move forward to Phase 2.
-
January – February 2027
During this phase, teams will review what we learned during the fall and take a closer look at possible solutions.
This work will include gathering additional feedback, identifying what would be needed for implementation, coordinating plans across teams, and preparing information for Board consideration.
If the findings and recommendations from this phase support moving forward, district leadership and design teams would bring the proposed 150-Day Academic Calendar to the Board of Education for consideration.
-
Target: February 18, 2027
District leadership will bring together the work of all six design teams for the Board of Education to consider whether the district should move forward with the 150-Day Academic Calendar.
If the Board approves moving forward, the district would begin Phase 3: Prepare & Transition.
-
March – July 2027
If the Board approves moving forward, the district will begin preparing for the transition.
This phase would include finalizing procedures, preparing programs and services, communicating with families and staff, coordinating transportation and student supports, and making sure the district is ready for the new calendar.
-
Beginning August 2027
If approved, the new academic calendar would begin with the 2027–2028 school year.
During the first year, the district would continue gathering feedback, reviewing how the calendar is working, and making adjustments when needed.
Throughout every phase, communication will continue. As questions are answered and plans become clearer, we will continue updating our website, FAQs, and family communications so our community can follow the process.