File:  IC/ICA - School Year/School Calendar

Prior to the end of the school year, the Board shall determine the length of time during which district schools shall be in session during the next school year. The number of hours/days of planned teacher-student instruction and of teacher-student contact shall be consistent with the Board's definition of "actively engaged in the educational process," must meet or exceed the requirements of state law and shall include a sufficient number of days to allow the superintendent flexibility in preparing a calendar that supports the district's educational objectives.

The Board defines "actively engaged in the educational process" as time when students are working toward achieving educational objectives under the supervision of a licensed teacher, including:

•  classroom instruction time
•  individual student work time while at school, including study hall and library research
•  school-related field trips
•  assemblies
•  individual student testing time
•  the time between two classes or between a class and lunch period known as "passing time"
•  recess time

"Actively engaged in the educational process" does not include:

•  Lunch
•  Time students spend before school waiting for classes to begin and time after the last class of the day, including waiting for the bus
•  Teacher preparation time

Supervision by a licensed teacher shall not require that the teacher be in the student's physical presence at all times, but that the teacher is exercising direction and control over the nature of the student's activities.

The district calendar for the next school year must be prepared by the superintendent and presented to the Board for approval in the spring of each year. The superintendent must consult with other districts in the area when preparing the calendar. 

The Board authorizes the administration in each school building to issue a school calendar based on the district calendar and in accordance with this policy. Administrators are encouraged to examine instruction time and calendar issues in the context of supporting the district's educational objectives.

Calendars must include the dates for all staff in-service programs scheduled for the upcoming school year. The administration will allow public input from parents and teachers prior to scheduling the dates for staff in-service programs. 

A copy of the calendar must be provided to all parents/guardians of students enrolled in district schools. Any change in the calendar except for emergency closings or other unforeseen circumstances must be preceded by adequate and timely notice of no less than 30 days.

Adopted September 8, 1986
Revised January 16, 2001
Revised December 11, 2006
Revised March 14, 2011
Revised July 10, 2017
Revised July 21, 2021
Revised September 25, 2023
Revised June 24, 2024

LEGAL REFS.:  C.R.S. 22-1-112 (school year and national holidays)

C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1) (n) (duty to determine school year and instruction hours)

C.R.S. 22-33-102 (1) (definition of academic year)

C.R.S. 22-33-104 (1) (compulsory attendance law)

C.R.S. 22-44-115.5 (fiscal emergency)

1 CCR 301-39, Rules 2254-R-1.06 (school year and instruction hours; definition of contact/instruction time)

CROSS REF.:  EBCE, School Closings and Cancellations

JH, Student Absences and Excuses