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School Committee sends FY26 calendar to third reading after debate over half days and conference time
Summary
After extended discussion about professional development days, half-day schedules, and implications for busing and family schedules, the committee voted unanimously to send the FY26 school calendar to a third reading.
The School Committee received a second-reading presentation of the proposed FY26 district calendar and voted unanimously to send the calendar to a third reading, after members raised concerns about the number of half days and the balance between professional development and parent conferences.
Superintendent Dr. Thomas Tremblay reviewed constraints that shape any calendar: a statutory minimum of 180 school days and minimum hourly requirements (900 hours for certain grade bands), contractually required professional-development days (five in the proposed calendar), and an added secondary conference day negotiated in the district's collective-bargaining agreement. Tremblay recommended keeping staff professional days and the first day of school as proposed (staff reporting August 25; students in grades 1-12 starting August 27 in the draft).
Committee members asked for more coordination with local charter and parochial school calendars to limit extra busing runs when some schools run half days on different dates. Several members also asked administration to convene a calendar working group (including principals and transportation staff) and to return with a revised draft; the superintendent agreed to try to provide a revised calendar in time for the committee's next packet.
Action taken: On a motion by Jen Moshe and a second by Tiffany Maskell the committee voted by roll call to send the calendar to a third reading. The vote was unanimous.
Why it matters: Calendar changes affect families, transportation planning, substitute needs, interpreters for conferences, and coordination with city voting precincts that use school buildings. Committee members emphasized preserving instructional time while meeting contractual and professional-development obligations.
Next steps: Administration will consult principals, transportation and the city clerk's office where appropriate, attempt to incorporate feedback, and return a revised draft for the third reading.
