Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, all public elementary schools in Oklahoma must make an adjustment to daily school schedules. This change is the result of a new law passed during the 2026 legislative session, Senate Bill 1481, which requires all students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade to receive 40 minutes of recess each day. 

After reviewing the law and evaluating several options for compliance, Broken Arrow Public Schools has determined that adding a few minutes to each school day is the least disruptive solution. This approach allows the district to meet the new state requirements, preserve instructional time, and maintain the current school calendar by avoiding the addition of days to the school year.

As a result, daily schedules for elementary students in the 2026-2027 school year will be adjusted as follows:

• Previous Elementary School Hours: 8:45 am to 3:30 pm

• New Elementary School Hours: 8:40 am to 3:31 pm

We recognize that even small changes to the school day can affect family routines. By adding only a few minutes to each day, the district is able to comply with the new state law while minimizing the impact on students, families and staff. Thank you for your flexibility and continued support as Broken Arrow Public Schools implements this statewide requirement.