Goochland Public Schools seek community input on three draft calendars

Goochland County Public Schools posted draft instructional calendars for the 2026–27, 2027–28 and 2028–29 school years on Jan. 12 and invited families and community members to review and comment. The district is collecting feedback through a form available on the GCPS Calendars webpage, with submissions due Friday, Jan. 30. The school board will consider community input as it weighs calendar approval in February 2026.

Calendar decisions reach beyond start and end dates. For many Goochland families the academic schedule determines childcare plans, access to school meals, timing of routine medical and dental appointments, and coordination of therapies or school-based health services. Changes in break timing or the placement of professional development days can influence parents who commute to Richmond, after-school program staffing, and bus route logistics across rural parts of the county.

Public health and equity considerations are central to how a calendar affects the community. Students who rely on school meals may face gaps during extended breaks, and families without flexible work schedules can incur extra costs for childcare. Students with chronic health needs or who receive school-based supports often depend on predictable schedules for medication administration, therapy sessions, and follow-up appointments. Calendar choices can also shape the rhythm of mental health supports and athletic seasons, affecting when services are most needed.

By opening a public comment period, GCPS is offering a chance for residents to flag these practical and equity-related concerns. The Calendars webpage contains the draft calendars and the district’s feedback form where parents, guardians, staff and community partners can submit suggestions before the Jan. 30 deadline. Responses submitted during this window will be compiled for the February school board consideration.

Local organizations that provide childcare, food distribution, or health services should review the drafts now to identify potential service gaps and plan for continuity during breaks. School staff and coaches will want to check proposed professional development and testing periods to anticipate schedule shifts for students.

Our two cents? Look at the draft calendars with an eye on childcare, meals and health appointments, then send your feedback before Jan. 30 so the board hears what truly works for Goochland families.