Board of Education sets Volpe High graduation for June 9, 2025 after scheduling debate

The Board of Education voted to set Volpe High School’s graduation for Tuesday, June 9, 2025. The board made the decision during its regular meeting after discussion about weather-related cancellations, extracurricular scheduling and project-graduation logistics. "We're looking for a motion to set the graduation date for Tuesday, 06/09/2025 for Volpe High School," the Board Chair said before the motion passed with members responding "Aye." Kate Duffy, speaking on behalf of Baldwin High School's Project Graduation, had asked the board to set a graduation date to allow planning to proceed. "I'm here on behalf of Baldwin High School's project graduation, and I'm here to request of you guys to set a graduation date so that we can move forward with project grad planning and events," Duffy said during the public-comment period. Board members discussed the practical trade-offs of setting a date in September, including the potential for winter cancellations and conflicts with spring athletic events such as track. A staff member explained the practical effect of the state law change: by setting a date now and meeting the 180-day requirement, districts may lock in a graduation date that is not extended by later canceled days. Board members and project-graduation representatives said locking a date early helps secure venues and allows organizers to place deposits; one organizer said a venue the group uses accommodates only one high school at a time, which affects safety planning. The motion to set the date was approved; board members indicated organizers could begin making deposits and logistical arrangements immediately. No roll-call vote was recorded in the minutes provided, and the board did not amend the date after the discussion.