In a move to adapt to changing state requirements and address the concerns of teachers, students and parents, the Excelsior Springs School District has approved a school calendar for the 2025-26 academic year.The recent decisions regarding the school calendar were implemented in response to changes made by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), which has transitioned from assessing instructional time based on hours to a model based on days. This significant shift has had a direct impact on the district’s hiring incentive, necessitating adjustments to align with new requirements.Previously, the district was required to maintain a school year of 169 instructional days to receive full funding, according to ESSD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melissa Miller. However, following DESE’s mandate, the district has now revised its requirement to 162 instructional days. This change ensures the district remains compliant with state regulati...