The Lowell School Committee on Jan. 7 discussed whether schools should remain open on two upcoming voting days, Feb. 3 and March 3, and asked staff to return in two weeks with options that ensure student safety. Superintendent Skinner told the committee the calendar packet was revised to show those dates as non-school days but staff are working with Lowell City administration to explore keeping schools open if security can be guaranteed.

The superintendent said he has heard family concerns after the revised calendar was posted and that the district wants to balance student safety with minimizing disruption to families. "Nothing is more important than student safety," Skinner said, noting that police presence, locked door procedures and monitored corridors could allow voting to take place in cafeterias or gyms without access to the remainder of the building. Elections Director Rosenbury sought clarification on whether the committee was voting on changes tonight or only requesting more time; Skinner said the administration is asking for time to develop safe options.

Committee members pressed staff on logistics. Member Mike Conway reiterated that security motivated the original decision to close schools on election days and asked staff to report back on whether buildings can be secured while polling occurs. Member Bahu said closing schools on those dates could move the final day of school into late June and reduce instructional time, citing June 18 and the possibility of ending June 22 if makeup days are needed. Bahu also suggested adding officers or relocating polling spaces to reduce disruption. Assistant Superintendent Jim Hall (referenced in the discussion) and others raised concerns that changing polling locations on short notice could trigger voter-notification requirements and city council approvals that are time-sensitive.

The superintendent said staff will consult with the elections office and the city manager and return to the committee in two weeks with either a safe plan to keep schools open or a report that it is not feasible. The calendar item on the agenda was treated as a report rather than a formal calendar change; the committee accepted the superintendent's reports as reports of progress and did not adopt a binding calendar amendment tonight.