Tunkhannock board adopts 2025-26 academic calendar, sets graduation for May 29 after debate

The Tunkhannock Area School District board voted to adopt the 2025-26 academic calendar and set graduation for Friday, May 29, after debate about a competing calendar that would have ended the school year in early June.

Board members discussed two calendar options: a "June end" calendar that would conclude the school year the first week of June — which supporters said offers a post-Labor Day start and a midwinter break — and a "May end" calendar that would end earlier. Some board members favored the June option because it would allow a June 5 graduation and avoid concentrating absences earlier in May; others said the May-end calendar was workable and preferable for travel schedules.

Officials noted a scheduling conflict with SkillsUSA national championships in Atlanta: the district may not know whether students qualify until the second or third week in April. Chuck Richter, identified in the meeting as a staff member, said, "Second or third week in April typically," when asked when qualification is known. That uncertainty factored into the discussion over whether to hold graduation in late May or early June.

After discussion, a motion to approve the calendar with graduation on May 29 and moving Presidents' Day observance to the Monday after the Super Bowl passed by roll call. The vote recorded six "yes" votes and two "no" votes (Franco and Farr); the motion carried.

What changed and why: Supporters of the selected calendar said it preserves flexibility for family travel and aligns with staffing patterns; opponents cited the benefits of a June-end calendar for scheduling student competitions and additional built-in days off.

Next steps: The superintendent and administrative staff will finalize the calendar for publication and notify families and staff of the dates and any subsequent staffing adjustments.