Litchfield Board Approves 2026-2027 Calendar, Opts to Hold School on Casimir Pulaski Day

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026

Article Summary: The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education on Tuesday approved a new school calendar that includes holding classes on Casimir Pulaski Day to ensure the school year concludes before Memorial Day. Following a public hearing, the board also secured a waiver allowing the district the option to hold school on five specific legal holidays.

Litchfield School Board Key Points:

• School on Holidays: The board approved a proposal allowing the district the option to hold school on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, Casimir Pulaski Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day.

• Casimir Pulaski Day: The 2026-2027 calendar will specifically utilize Casimir Pulaski Day as an attendance day.

• Calendar Dates: The first day of school for students is set for August 12, 2026, with a winter break running from December 21 through January 1.

• Election Day: Election Day is currently listed as a non-attendance day, though officials noted this could change pending state legislation.

LITCHFIELD – The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, voted to approve the 2026-2027 district calendar, which includes a significant change regarding holiday attendance.

Prior to the regular meeting, the board held a public hearing regarding a proposal to hold school on five legal holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, Casimir Pulaski Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day.

Superintendent Dr. Kelly McClain explained that while the waiver covers all five holidays to provide future flexibility, the immediate intent is to utilize Casimir Pulaski Day as an attendance day. State code requires the district to recognize the holiday with instructional activities if school is in session.

“The recommendation from the calendar committee was to hold school on Casimir Pulaski Day,” Dr. McClain said. “If we hold school on Casimir Pulaski Day, that does allow us, even with the use of emergency days, to be out of school before Memorial Day.”

Following the hearing, the board reconvened for its regular monthly meeting and formally approved the 2026-2027 calendar.

Key dates for the upcoming school year include:

• August 10-11: Teacher Institute days.

• August 12: First day of student attendance.

• December 21 – January 1: Winter Break.

• March 26 – April 2: Spring Break.

The calendar currently marks Election Day as a day off for students and staff. However, Dr. McClain noted that many districts are adding it as a potential attendance day due to uncertainty regarding state regulations. The administration chose to leave it as a non-attendance day for now, with the option to amend the calendar later if the state does not mandate a closure.

The board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Teamsters Local Union No. 525 regarding the treatment of holidays for 12-month employees, ensuring their contract aligns with the decision to hold student attendance on Casimir Pulaski Day.