PCSD Survey results: Keep early-out Fridays, full February break intact

The Park City School District building in Park City, Utah. Photo: TownLift // Bailey Edelstein

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City School District will maintain its Friday early release schedule and full-week February break for the 2026-2027 school year after more than 2,000 community members weighed in on proposed calendar changes.

The district received 2,087 responses to its calendar survey, with parents comprising the largest group at 1,409 participants. District employees contributed 352 responses, while students, community members, and partners also provided input.

Three calendar options were presented to stakeholders. Option 1, which garnered 55% support, provides additional professional development days for teachers while preserving the full February break. The option emerged as the clear preference over two alternatives that would have modified break schedules or adjusted the school year’s start date.

Support for maintaining Friday early release for the 2026-2027 school year was strong, with 85% of respondents (1,765 people) favoring the continuation of the weekly schedule feature.

The community showed strong opposition to modifying February break, with 51% (1,065 people) voting against changes. Only 35% (725 people) supported alterations to the week-long winter recess.

On other scheduling questions, respondents were divided on ending the semester before winter break for secondary students, with 51% (1,062 people) in favor and 39% (804 people) marking the question as not applicable. The community showed little interest in aligning spring break with other Wasatch Back schools, with 41% (854 people) opposed and 46% (962 people) expressing no preference.

Survey participants represented schools across the district, with Park City High School accounting for the largest share at 39%, followed by Ecker Hill Middle School at 32%. The remaining responses came from Jeremy Ranch Elementary, McPolin Elementary, Parley’s Park Elementary, Treetop Elementary, and district office staff.

District officials will present a detailed analysis of the survey results at the Board of Education meeting on October 14, beginning at 4:00 p.m., with public comment scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

“Park City School District appreciates the continued engagement and thoughtful input from our community,” officials stated. “Together, we’re creating a balanced schedule that reflects the needs of students, families, and staff across One Park City.”

Residents are encouraged to read the summary and follow details about the meeting on the district’s website.