District recommends keeping 2026 graduation at PPL Center, forms steering committee to study future venues

Dr. Mays presented estimates comparing the PPL Center, Stabler Arena, Coca‑Cola Park and Zephyr Stadium as possible venues for the Class of 2026 graduation and recommended the district keep the ceremony at the PPL Center for one more year.

Dr. Mays told the education committee that many graduation costs — gowns, diplomas, printing, catering and technology — are fixed across venues and that the principal variable is venue rental, equipment and security. He said stadium equipment and security would likely require additional expenditures if the district moved the ceremony to Zephyr Stadium, and that holding graduation at the stadium could reduce the number of tickets available to families. Dr. Mays estimated the PPL Center gives the district approximately 5,000–5,500 tickets; he estimated on‑site attendance at a stadium could be 4,000–4,500.

"It's my recommendation to the board to permit us to table changing the site from the PPL center for 1 calendar year," Dr. Mays said, adding he recommended the district return to PPL for the class of 2026 and convene a steering committee this fall to analyze options for 2027. Board members present expressed support for moving the PPL contract forward to the full board for approval so staff can lock dates and begin planning.

Salient planning deadlines influenced the recommendation: Dr. Mays said if the decision slipped into October, the district risked not meeting the timelines needed to arrange equipment, staffing and security to the quality the district expects. The pending graduation date provided in committee was June 1, 2026.

Ending: The committee instructed staff to place the PPL contract on the full‑board agenda at the end of the month and to assemble a steering committee that includes board members, administrators, parents and students to examine alternatives for 2027.