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Board approves FY26 calendar and moves 2025 graduations to June 1 after public concern about state track conflict
Summary
The Oldham County Board of Education voted March 24 to approve the FY26 school calendar and later set June 1, 2025, for high school graduations after coaches and parents warned a May 31 graduation would conflict with state track competition.
The Oldham County Board of Education voted March 24 to approve the FY26 school calendar and the district’s major breaks and later approved June 1, 2025, as the date for high school graduations following public testimony from coaches and parents about a May 31 state track meet conflict.
The board approved the FY26 calendar and FY27 major breaks 4–1. The calendar presented at the meeting sets the first day for students on Aug. 13 and the last day, barring snow days, on Friday, May 22; major breaks for the 2026–27 calendar include fall break the week of Oct. 19, winter break Dec. 21–Jan. 1 and spring break aligning with KEA delegate meetings in late March and early April. Board members discussed whether Presidents' Day should be designated a potential makeup day for snow cancellations; staff asked for guidance on how many NTI (nontraditional instruction) days to use before invoking a makeup day.
Several public speakers urged the board to avoid a graduation date that forced seniors to choose between commencement and competing at state championships. Stacy Whitlock, a teacher and head track coach at Oldham County High School, said, “Student athletes should not have to choose between their graduation and representing their school at their state track and field meet.” Kathy Crady, a parent of student athletes, told the board parents and athletes deserve both milestones.
Board members debated options. Transportation staff and the calendar committee explained operational constraints: the district historically begins the school year on a Wednesday to allow transportation route preparation and to avoid bus vandalism when buses are left unattended over a weekend. Mr. Webb, transportation staff, said running routes requires the two days before the first day of school to finalize assignments.
On the graduation date, the board considered two options: maintain the Saturday, May 31 date as in the packet (option A) or move ceremonies to Sunday, June 1 (option B). The board approved option B (June 1) 3–2; the motion to accept option B was made by Mr. Dennis and seconded by Mr. Springer.
Votes: - Approve FY26 calendar and FY27 major breaks as presented — motion made by Miss Henley, seconded by Miss Sheffer; outcome: approved 4–1. Notes: board asked staff to report on using Presidents' Day as a potential makeup day and to consider a work group on NTI practices. - Approve 2025 graduation date as June 1 (option B) — motion made by Mr. Dennis, seconded by Mr. Springer; outcome: approved 3–2.
District staff said they will convene a calendar/NTI review after the school year begins if the board requests and will embed any makeup-day guidance into operational planning.
