Floodlights rarely shine brighter than when a community is asked to steer the course of its schools. The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) has handed the microphone to its public, inviting feedback on the 2026-27 school year calendar—a decision with ripple effects across families, staff, and students.
The SCDSB, headquartered in Midhurst, is soliciting input from every corner of its school community. Staff, parents, guardians, students, and even neighbours with a stake in public education are welcome to weigh in. The window to provide feedback is open until January 16, 2026, a timeline set to ensure the board meets provincial Ministry of Education requirements.
Why all the urgency? The annual calendar is more than just a grid of holidays and PD days; it frames the rhythm of learning, family life, and work schedules. In Simcoe County, where education is both a public trust and a community project, the board’s approach signals a commitment to transparency and democratic engagement. The SCDSB’s process doesn’t simply tick a box—it makes space for competing perspectives, accommodating local traditions, and acknowledging the nuances that shape school life from September through June.
Opportunities for input aren’t window-dressing, either. They offer a channel for parents concerned about vacation alignment, for staff balancing professional development, and for students hoping their voices carry weight. The board’s invitation, accessible through its website, embodies the belief that the best calendars result from robust, sometimes even spirited, public dialogue.
As the January deadline approaches, the SCDSB’s call for feedback invites residents to participate in shaping a school year that reflects the distinct pulse of Simcoe County. The work doesn’t end with a single calendar. Rather, it underscores an ongoing conversation between the board and those it serves—a reminder that public education thrives on active citizenship and shared responsibility.
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Simcoe County District School Board seeks public input on 2026-27 calendar
