The Board of Education (“Board”) recognizes that the preparation of a calendar is necessary for the efficient operation of the School District of Philadelphia (“District”). The purpose of this policy is to require the adoption of develop the procedure for adopting an annual school calendar that reflects the District’s commitment to its core beliefs and goals, including its commitment to equity.

As required by the Pennsylvania Public School Code and Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations, Tthe Board shall develop an academic calendar. authorizes the Superintendent and/or their designee to determine annually, with exceptions deemed appropriate by the Board, the days and the hours when the schools will be in session for instructional purposes in accordance with State law. Such school calendar will normally consist of a minimum of 180 student days and provide a minimum of 900 instructional hours for elementary school pupils and 990 hours for middle and high school pupils. The instructional school calendar shall consider negotiated agreements, professional development days, holidays, and community input.

The Board authorizes and directs the Superintendent or their designee, through the Office of Schools, to will prepare establish an academic school calendar for Board consideration, annually, indicating the days and hours when the schools will be in session for instructional purposes in accordance with State law. [1][2][3][4][5]

The academic calendar shall be developed in conformity with collective bargaining agreements and law and shall take into consideration the following:

?      The Board’s goals and Board policy;

?      Stakeholder input and feedback;

?      Strategies that improve academic and social-emotional outcomes for all students; and

?      Current teacher practice and professional development.

The District shall develop administrative procedures to implement this Policy which shall include the following:

?      A structure by which to seek stakeholder input and feedback. 

?      Protocols for enacting temporary provisions for attendance during periods of emergency in accordance with law. [5]

?      Protocols regarding the District notifying the Board and documenting any alterations to the school calendar.

1.     24 P.S. § 1501

2.     24 P.S. § 1502

3.     24 P.S. § 1503

4.     24 P.S. §1504

5.     22 Pa. Code § 11.1-11.3

6.     24 P.S. § 5-520.1