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Back to School Comes a Bit Early for 2026-2027 

ISD 728 School Board Approves the 2023-2024 School Calendar

It’s been a while since the ISD 728 School Board approved the 2026-2027 District Calendar (more than six months, actually), but we’ve put together a quick Q&A on it, since we’re going to be seeing our students sooner than later. 

After all, it’s not every year we start before Labor Day. And YES, we start before Labor Day here in ISD 728 this upcoming year. 

So why does school start on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 when Labor Day is September 7? 

The Minnesota State Legislature passed a waiver allowing school districts to begin the year prior to Labor Day in 2026 and 2027. In short, despite the sanctity of our State Fair, we need to start a bit earlier to get the full calendar in before our traditional graduation week. 

Calendar

So, when does school let out in 2027? 

Thanks to the early start, the last day of school for all students will be Thursday, June 3, 2027. Had we waited until after Labor Day, our final day would be June 10 for students, which is later than most families prefer. 

Is there a Spring Break this year? 

Yes, Spring Break runs Friday, March 19, 2027 through Sunday, March 28, 2027. Friday, March 19 is the teacher workshop day as it is the end of the second trimester. 

When is Winter Break? 

The Winter Break - sometimes dubbed “holiday break” - runs from Wednesday, December 23, 2026 through Sunday, January 3, 2027. That’s a bit longer than our last couple of scheduled Winter Breaks, giving families more time together over the holiday season and New Year. 

How about conferences?

Fall conferences are set for October 8 (evening), 13 (evening) and 14 (daytime). Winter conferences are Thursday, February 11 (evening) and Tuesday, February 16. 

When will the Class of 2027 Graduate? 

Ivan Sand Community High will kick off graduation ceremony week on Monday, May 31, 2027. That will be followed by Zimmerman High on Tuesday, June 1, then Rogers on Wednesday and Elk River High on Thursday. The American Indian Education Program, Online 728 and COMPASS programs will also have their traditional ceremonies at the end of the year, but those are TBD at this time. 

Will school start before Labor Day in 2027? 

That will be up to the ISD 728 Calendar Committee (made up administrators, staff and leadership) and, ultimately, the ISD 728 School Board.