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Board directs staff to explore William & Mary as indoor graduation venue after community survey

6699387 · October 14, 2025

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Summary

Surveyed seniors, parents and staff showed strong support for moving graduation indoors; board asked administration to check William & Mary availability and costs for a Sunday afternoon ceremony.

After a brief review of survey results, the school board voted to have staff explore William & Mary as an indoor graduation venue for the Gloucester High School class of 2026.

Staff reported that the division surveyed juniors, seniors, parents and staff; 88% of respondents said they would support moving graduation to an indoor venue even if it required travel outside Gloucester County, with 58% "strongly supporting" that option. Respondents cited heat, weather unpredictability and accessibility as the top reasons to prefer an indoor ceremony.

The board voted to ask administration to pursue details and pricing with William & Mary and to return with an itemized cost breakdown. The board specified a preference for a Sunday-afternoon ceremony if the venue is possible.

Why it matters: Graduation location affects cost, accessibility, sight lines for families and tradition. Board members emphasized the need for clear cost comparisons with the current outdoor site (Duke Stadium) and requested information on parking, projected attendance, audiovisual options and any deposit requirements.

Next steps: District staff will contact William & Mary, obtain formal quotes that include AV/screens and parking/traffic considerations, and report back to the board; Duke Stadium remains available as the fallback plan.