Earlier this year, the Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) administration decided to change the spring break date next year.
The spring break change, which was approved by the school board on February 11th, moved the annual time off to April 6-10.
In early February, MCPS administration sent out an email asking for the community’s input on a proposed change to the spring break schedule. This year and in years past, spring break has taken place in mid-March, but the new proposal would move the break to early April.
In the email to MCPS families, district officials cited a desire to potentially improve student and staff well-being by placing the break later in the semester.
Presented by Trevor Laboski, executive director of human resources for MCPS, the spring break change was approved by the school board on February 11th, and is in effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
The new spring break has sparked debate at Big Sky High School, where opinions in the administration are split.
Assistant principal Jack Young voiced opposition to the change, citing concerns about the impact on spring sports.
“This change would put our athletes in a tough spot,” Young said. “Most games and meets are already scheduled for early April. Moving spring break would force many student athletes to choose between participating in family plans or staying behind for competitions.”
Nolan Stonefield, a sophomore at Big Sky High School, also expressed his dislike of the change. “It’s too long of a wait for a break, there’s almost days off between winter break and spring break,” Stonefield said.
On the other hand, Big Sky High School Principal Jennifer Courtney, supports the change.
“I am actually a member of the change committee,” Courtney said. She highlighted the benefits of better weather and a more meaningful spring break.
“Early March in Missoula is most of the time still cold,” Courtney said. “ April typically offers much better weather for families who want to travel or just enjoy the outdoors. It also gives students a more refreshing break as they head into the final stretch of the school year.”
