(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT -- June 12, 2020) — On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, the El Paso Independent School District’s Board will consider revising the approved 2020-21 academic calendar to help the District better prepare for the potential need for closures due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposed changes would bring in students and instructional staff earlier than in previous years and create intersessions throughout the school year. The calendar is aligned with recommendations from the Texas Education Agency regarding pandemic preparedness, as well as with the calendars of surrounding districts.

The first day of school for students will be Aug. 3, if the proposal is approved. Currently, the first day of school is set for Aug. 10. Teachers will report for duty on July 27, instead of Aug. 3. The last day of school will be June 8, instead of May 27.

“The safety and health of our students is the main guiding principle for the proposed changes,” said Superintendent Juan E. Cabrera. “The new calendar allows us the flexibility to adjust and prepare ahead of a potential second wave of infections due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Other highlights from the proposed calendar include:

• A fall intersession on Oct. 5-16.
• A spring intersession on March 8-12.
• Winter break will be Dec.18-Jan. 5.
• Spring break will remain March 15-19

The proposed calendar increases the instructional days to 180 from 177. It also increases the instructional minutes to 76,830 from 76,610.

EPISD officials said the strategically placed breaks throughout the year will allow them to assess and plan for student learning, anticipate future disruptions, provide remediation for students who need it and train staff.

Click here to view the proposed calendar. To view some of the calendar hightlights and comparissons, click here.