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Board sets Darien High School graduation for Monday, June 16; board cites athlete conflicts and logistics
Summary
After hearing from student athletes and parents about conflicts with state championship schedules, the Darien Board of Education voted unanimously to set high school graduation for Monday, June 16, with no separate rain date; if weather forces an indoor ceremony the same day will be held inside.
The Darien Board of Education voted unanimously March 26 to hold Darien High School's graduation on Monday, June 16, rather than the previously listed June 12 date with a rain makeup.
The decision followed more than an hour of public comment by student athletes, parents and coaches who described multiple conflicts between the earlier graduation dates and state championship schedules. Parents and captains from boys and girls lacrosse, rowing, volleyball, baseball and other teams said the June 12'14 window put seniors in the position of choosing between competing for state titles and attending their own commencement.
Parent Laura Bremer said the proposed June 12 date would force many student athletes to miss graduation and requested moving the ceremony to the last day of school, June 16. Student speakers from multiple teams described long seasons and the disruption the earlier date would cause to both preparation and family participation.
School leaders and board members discussed the tradeoffs. The district noted that some CIAC (Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference) schedules could be moved if a team advances into certain rounds; others observed that many championship competitions were scheduled on weekends. Financial and logistical considerations were also cited: the district estimated about $4,000 in additional cost to retain a rain-date setup (audio-visual, seating, extra staff) and noted that if the ceremony is moved indoors due to weather, fewer guests can attend.
After discussion, a motion to set the date for Monday, June 16 (without an extra rain date) passed unanimously; John moved, Sarah seconded. Board leaders said they will communicate the date to families immediately and work with athletic directors and CIAC if teams advance. The district also said it will work to accommodate students who cannot attend because of competitions.
Board members and administrators emphasized the goal of allowing as many students as possible to participate in commencement while balancing practical constraints such as vendor availability and staff schedules.
