The SFPS Board of Education accepted the 2024-25 school calendar at its Finance Subcommittee meeting on Thursday, February 22nd. The calendar brings students back to school on Friday, August 9th. The last day of school in 2025 will be on Thursday, May 22nd.
The 2024-25 school calendar can be viewed by visiting https://go.sfps.info/24-25Cale....
In all, the calendar includes 174 school days, with a full week off for students and staff for Thanksgiving Break, from November 25th to 29th. However, if the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) approves a rule change requiring 180 days of school, the Thanksgiving Break will revert to three days, from November 27th to 29th, and a few full school closure dates in the calendar would revert to instructional days.
"The 2024-25 SFPS school calendar reflects state requirements as they are right now. Given the potential for the PED to implement its 180-day rule, the calendar has enough buffers to meet any new requirements," said Superintendent Hilario "Larry" Chavez.
"Parents and students are eager to know what lies ahead. The 2024-25 calendar provides the framework needed for families to plan their summer vacations and return to school," he said.
The PED has had the 180-day rule change under consideration since 2023. On November 7th, it opened a public comment period on the rule. This was followed on December 18th by a public hearing. For both public comment opportunities, opposition to the rule change was strong, including from Santa Fe educators and parents.
Superintendent Chavez noted that Board Policy 117 requires the superintendent to submit the school year calendar to the Board no later than the second Board meeting following each year's regular legislative session. "We're on track and ready to move forward," he said.