District 203 students’ summer just got longer. On Monday, Nov. 18, the District 203 Board of Education approved a new calendar for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school year. The move pushes next year’s start date to Aug. 19. 

Next year’s calendar starts four days later than the current one, and sets classes to end on May 28, six days later than the end of the 2019-2020 school year. The calendar, originally designated “C,” was one of three versions, with versions “A” and “B” having previously been shared with parents, staff and the community. Plan “B” would have offered a fall break and days off for elections. The approved calendar “C” has days off for elections and meets the Board’s criteria, which includes having balanced semesters, final exams prior to Winter Break, and a start date as far into August as possible.

According to a board memo authored by District 203’s assistant superintendent for elementary education, Chuck Freundt, a majority of feedback on initial calendar drafts regarded start date, days off of school and election days.

Correction: A previous version of this article did not indicate that the approved calendar “C” has days off for elections.