Board discusses graduation dates, location and speaker guidance

Board members and staff discussed graduation logistics June 26 including the timing of senior schedules, ceremony locations and speaker guidance. Members asked whether seniors should remain in school through the full calendar so graduation is not held while other students continue to attend.

Why it matters: staff said seniors currently finish a week earlier than other students, which can create instructional and equity concerns for both seniors and younger students. Members raised conflicts with athletic events and out-of-town competitions if ceremonies are scheduled on the weekend after the school year.

Details: staff suggested checking date availability at the preferred venue (a larger, off-site location used in prior years) and said a Sunday date could reduce conflicts for student-athletes. The board approved a three-year rotation for ceremony order: West, PMSA, East in 2025; East, West, PMSA in 2026; PMSA, East, West in 2027. Members discussed review of student remarks (principals review speeches) and suggested time limits for guest speakers (10'15 minutes) to keep events under two hours. Board members said they do not want religious or campaign-style political speeches at graduation and requested consistent experiences across schools for senior activities.

Next steps: staff will check venue dates and produce an agreed calendar; principals will continue reviewing student speeches to ensure appropriateness.

Ending: the board agreed on a three-year rotation for ceremony order and instructed staff to seek venue dates that minimize conflicts with athletic events and maximize family attendance opportunities.