The Upper Dublin School District Board of School Directors on Dec. 15 approved the district's 202627 academic calendar and heard administrative updates about new initiatives and personnel.

The board voted to adopt the calendar as presented: a recommended first day of school of Aug. 31, 2026, and a last day of June 15, 2027; the calendar includes three inclement-weather days and a professional-development day moved from Feb. 16 into April. "This was brought to you...in November's education committee," Superintendent Dr. Smith said while summarizing revisions. Education Chair Mr. Held moved the calendar motion and it passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: the calendar sets start and end dates that affect family planning, transportation and athletics; the board approved it after committee review so the dates will be posted publicly.

Administration also announced district initiatives. Dr. Smith said the district has "kicked off our AI think tank" with "about 20 to 25" employees volunteering to participate in a four-stage "cardinal flight plan" to address policy, needs assessment and ethical use of AI. "Our goals include drafting a school board policy and bringing that to a future policy committee meeting," Dr. Smith said, describing plans to involve staff and students over the coming year.

Dr. Smith noted the district podcast Cardinal Cast has released a second episode and that a community information session about a proposed Jarrettown school project is scheduled for Jan. 28, open to Upper Dublin Township residents.

Personnel action: the board welcomed Dr. Tracy Lenk as its recommended director of student services. Dr. Lenk briefly addressed the board, saying: "I am looking forward to transitioning to Upper Dublin and cannot wait to get here." The board's personnel committee had presented the personnel report and a motion to create an educational assistant position earlier in the meeting; those motions were approved by voice vote.

What happens next: the consolidated conflicts-of-interest policy and other policy committee items discussed at first reading will return for second reading at the board's January meeting; Dr. Smith said calendar and outreach details will be publicized when finalized.