To the Chardon Local School District Board of Education,

We, the undersigned parents, guardians, staff members, and community residents, respectfully request that the Chardon Local School District revise its 2027-2028 academic calendar to begin the school year after Labor Day, rather than mid August.

This request is made with the goal of supporting student well-being, family stability, attendance, and overall learning conditions.

We believe a post–Labor Day start would benefit our district for the following reasons:

• Student well-being: Children benefit from adequate rest and recovery before the school year begins. A later start helps reduce burnout and improves readiness to learn.
• Learning conditions: August temperatures often create uncomfortable classroom environments, particularly in our older buildings without air conditioning, which negatively affects focus and behavior.
• Family and childcare impact: Many families rely on summer childcare and camps that run through late August. An early start causes financial loss and logistical hardship for working parents.
• Attendance and engagement: August start dates frequently result in increased absences due to previously scheduled family commitments, including but not limited to those who participate in 4H at the Geauga County Fair, disrupting instructional continuity at the start of the year.
• Community alignment: A post-Labor Day start better aligns Chardon with neighboring districts, community events, youth employment opportunities, and long-standing community traditions.

We respectfully ask the Board of Education to:

1. Reevaluate the current academic calendar model
2. Survey families and staff regarding preferred start dates
3. Consider implementing a post–Labor Day start for future school years

Our goal is not to reduce instructional quality, but to create the most supportive and effective learning environment possible for Chardon students.

Thank you for your time, service, and consideration.

Sincerely,

Concerned Families and Community Members of Chardon Local Schools