McPherson, Kan. — McPherson USD 418 will extend the length of each school day during the 2025–26 academic year, while reducing the total number of school days.

The change was approved Feb. 10 by both the school board and district teachers. Each school day will be 20 minutes longer than the previous year, resulting in eight fewer school days overall.

According to the district, the revised calendar aims to create a more balanced schedule by adjusting the summer break instead of shortening breaks throughout the year. Despite the shorter school year, the new calendar provides more total instructional time for students.

The 2025–26 school year began Aug. 19 and will end May 15. Elementary schools will dismiss at 3:15 p.m., while middle and high schools will dismiss at 3:10 p.m.

Freshman Trinton Smith said the change is a positive one.

Smith said, “It’ll help students with their overall grades and increase their GPA. It’s a good change because it gives teachers extra time to teach us and gives students time to learn.”

In all, the outlook on the schedule change was seen in a positive way.