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School Committee directs superintendent to craft 2025–26 calendar based on draft 1 after split vote
Summary
After discussion about religious observances, school‑year timing and teacher preferences, the School Committee voted to direct Superintendent Pedraza to prepare a final 2025–26 calendar based on draft 1 (which does not close for select religious holidays); the motion passed by roll call.
The School Committee voted to direct Superintendent Pedraza to draft a final 2025–26 school calendar based on "Draft 1," which starts the student year after Labor Day and does not provide additional days off for certain religious holidays.
Committee members debated two draft calendars. Draft 1 starts classes after Labor Day and follows traditional vacations but does not schedule days off for religious observances. Draft 2 preserved the post‑Labor Day start while explicitly closing for additional holidays including Yom Kippur, Eid al‑Fitr and Good Friday; Draft 2 would have extended the school year by two days (to June 18) compared with Draft 1’s June 16 end date.
Supporters of version 2 argued the district should honor multiple religious holidays; supporters of version 1 cited the district’s secular status and concerns about an extended school year and potential snow‑day impacts. Several committee members voiced practical concerns about staffing and the calendar’s alignment with federal holidays.
Chair Carol Vetter called for a motion. A committee member moved "to direct superintendent to make a school year calendar for 2025–26 annual calendar based on draft 1." The motion was seconded and passed by roll call. During the roll call recorded in the transcript, Stuart Lander voted no; Paula Whitford, Kate Masananti, Michelle Brussell, James Restivo and Chair Vetter voted in favor. The transcript did not record a clear roll‑call vote for Brad Shearer.
Chair Vetter announced "That motion passes." The superintendent was directed to prepare a calendar based on Draft 1 for the committee to review in a future meeting.
