Questions have been raised among our student body due to a recent announcement by Principal Jennifer Boren relating to the new changes to the 2026-2027 school year. While there are still details being finalized within our district, administrators say the shift is designed to address budget challenges without holding back students’ opportunities.

Canyon ISD is changing to a nine-period day in order to spread students throughout more classes to reduce the need for more staffing. The main reason we’ve landed in a budget deficit is because of state legislative decisions. Recent safety mandates such as school resource officers on every campus and security glass on all outside windows don’t have funding attached to them. These decisions, combined with rising utility prices, have led Canyon to stretch the limited money we have. Most districts across the state have found themselves in this same situation.

For now, staffing will be evaluated carefully. “There is not a hiring freeze,” Boren said. “Each position on every campus where there is a resignation or retirement would be closely evaluated to see if it could be absorbed or if it’s necessary to rehire the position.”

All junior highs will also have a nine-period day, with similarly structured schedules compared to the high schools; this helps directors and coaches easily move between the schools because of shared staffing. We also have students from the other high schools that share classes at the CTE center, making it easier to transport as well.

School will start at the same time every day–meaning no collaboration bell schedule. The Commons will remain open at 7:30 for breakfast and bus arrival. Homeroom will be moved before 1st period–making time for meetings, tutorials, intervention, and designated teacher collaboration.

Everyone will soon be adjusting to an extra class period, as well as new course options. “Seniors will have the opportunity to have two senior permits and juniors will have the opportunity to have one,” Boren said. The idea of a study hall period throughout the day for all grades has also been thrown around, where students can get help and access to resources. 

This schedule change is permanent for this upcoming year, but isn’t set in stone as a forever change. “We are getting very excited,” Boren said. “The benefits outweigh the negatives, especially in regards to opportunities for students.”