After a lengthy discussion, the Newton School Board passed the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar Monday night by a 4 to 3 vote. 

The school district had asked parents, staff members, and the public to provide feedback on the proposed calendar via their website or Facebook page. Newton Superintendent Tom Messenger said 71 responses came in, with 49 supporting it as presented, while 22 wanted the school board to reject it. Messenger noted the largest share of the responses dealt with the full two week break covering Christmas and New Year’s. Those who disliked that long of a break felt the school year could end earlier with less time off. Other comments supported more time off before Thanksgiving and moving to a 4-day school week, which the Newton School Board is still considering as a possibility starting in the fall of 2026. School Board member Raymond Whipple voted against the 2025-2026 calendar because it goes into June, and there’s no snow days built in. 

“I don’t like any calendar where you are already scheduled in June without any snow days. That makes zero sense to me.”

Superintendent Messenger noted that the school year will start on Monday August 25th,  which is the earliest allowed by State law. School Board President Robyn Friedman and Board member Kristi Meyer also voted against the calendar, while Cody Muhs, Donna Cook, Travis Padget, and Josh Cantu voted in favor of it.

Winter break will start on Monday, December 22nd and run through Friday, January 2nd, 2026. Spring break next school year will begin on Friday, March 13th and go through Friday, March 20th. Graduation for Newton High School’s Class of 2026 will be held on Sunday, May 24th, with the last day of school for remaining students being held on May 29th, followed by the last teacher work day on June 1st.