The Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District (PBTISD) Board of Trustees has approved the 2025-2026 academic calendar, marking a transition to a four-day instructional week. The decision comes after extensive community engagement and survey feedback from over 620 stakeholders, including parents and staff.
This change aims to enhance teacher recruitment and retention, increase planning and preparation time for campus staff, and provide students with opportunities for targeted academic interventions. The new schedule will begin with teachers returning on August 1, 2025, and students starting classes on August 11, 2025.
The school day will be extended by 30 minutes to accommodate the adjusted schedule, running from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Students and staff will continue to finish the school year before Memorial Day, preserving a longstanding tradition. Some Fridays will serve as designated instructional make-up days if necessary.
“Transitioning to a four-day week is a forward-thinking step that reflects our district’s commitment to the success of both students and staff,” said Board President AlexAndrea Zamarripa. “We hope to see our families utilize those Independent Learning Days (Fridays) to study, read, and get necessary appointments and errands done so their students don’t miss a beat in the classroom at other times. This will also allow our staff to utilize the day for personal and professional needs.”
PBTISD recognizes this shift's challenges and opportunities and is committed to supporting families and staff throughout the transition. Superintendent Brent Jaco emphasized the district's focus on ensuring a smooth implementation.
“This calendar change represents an investment in our students, teachers, and the future of our district,” said Superintendent Jaco. “By offering a four-day week, we’re not just reimagining the structure of a school week; we’re prioritizing our staff’s professional growth, our students’ academic needs, and the well-being of our families. Together, we will make this a success.”
PBTISD joins a growing number of districts, including Greenwood ISD, which adopted a similar calendar structure last year. Districts across the country have utilized this model for decades, and it is gaining traction as an innovative approach to improving educational outcomes.
Visit www.pbtisd.net for more information about the 2025-2026 instructional calendar and the transition to a four-day school week, including FAQ information.