Vernon board approves calendar wording change to ‘Presidents Day / Washington’s Birthday’ after debate

Board member Mister Fisher raised the board calendar entry for the third Monday in February during the Vernon Township Board of Education meeting on Jan. 16, saying, “I think our school calendar should reflect the fact that this is not just president's day, but Washington's birthday.”

Board members discussed whether the district should list the day as the state-recognized Presidents' Day, the federal designation Washington's Birthday, or include both. Members asked whether the change could affect contract language regarding paid holidays; the superintendent and staff said the calendar under discussion was a draft and that any contract implications could be reviewed before final approval.

During the open board member forum near the end of the meeting, Mister Fisher moved that the calendar reflect the third Monday in February as “Presidents Day slash Washington's birthday.” The motion was seconded and the board adopted the change by roll call; the recorded votes were: Mister Semaglia — yes; Mister Fisher — yes; Mister Krauss — yes; Miss Pellet — yes; Mister Sweeney — yes; Miss Macchiarillo — yes; Mister Zimmerman — yes; Miss Brock — no. The chair announced: “Motion carries.”

Board members said the wording change was intended to acknowledge both the state's phrasing and the federal holiday name and to create classroom teachable moments about the holiday's history. The change was reflected in the board's meeting minutes as a board action and will appear on the calendar when the final version is approved.

No changes to employee contracts were made at the meeting; board members and staff said they would check contract language and paid-holiday listings if any conflict arises prior to final calendar approval.