Clarkston School District to Shift to Delayed-Start Wednesdays

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The Clarkston School District in Washington announced it will transition from early-release Wednesdays to delayed-start Wednesdays beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The district said the change is intended to give staff more time for meaningful collaboration focused on improving student learning, while also creating more consistent after-school schedules for students and families.

Why it matters

The shift to delayed-start Wednesdays is designed to better support teacher development and student success, while also addressing the scheduling needs of families who rely on after-school care or activities. The change reflects the district's efforts to balance the needs of staff, students, and the broader community.

The details

Under the new model, students will start school later on Wednesdays rather than being released early. The district noted that this adjustment is intended to better align schedules for families who rely on after-school care or activities. School leaders acknowledged that schedule changes can affect daily routines and said they have worked to design the next year's calendar with consistency in mind.

• The Clarkston School District will transition to delayed-start Wednesdays beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

What’s next

The district has provided an overview and frequently asked questions on its website to help families and staff prepare for the schedule change.