Fairfield Union superintendent outlines 2026–27 calendar, HB 114 kindergarten change and polling-day plan
Summary
Superintendent presented the proposed 2026–27 school calendar (approved by the board), explained House Bill 114’s change tying kindergarten eligibility to the district’s first instructional day, and said three schools are expected to serve as polling locations beginning November 2026.
The Fairfield Union Local School District board approved the 2026–27 school calendar and heard superintendent remarks about operational changes tied to state law and elections.
Superintendent told the board that House Bill 114 changes kindergarten enrollment eligibility statewide: a child must be 5 years old by the district’s first instructional day on the school calendar. For Fairfield Union that date would be the first day of instruction on the adopted calendar (the superintendent cited Aug. 13 as the example if the calendar is approved). The change replaces the district’s prior practice of using a fixed calendar date such as Aug. 1 and will require annual communication to families because the “first instructional day” can vary from year to year.
The superintendent also said the district anticipates Rushville Middle School, Pleasantville Elementary and Bremen Elementary will operate as polling places beginning with the November 2026 elections. To accommodate in‑person voting, the district plans to close schools to students on election days and schedule staff time for professional development or parent‑teacher conferences (the superintendent mentioned a conference window of about 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
The board approved the proposed 2026–27 calendar by motion and roll call during the meeting. Administration noted that staggered kindergarten start schedules in the district require district-level guidance on which day counts as the first instructional day for enrollment purposes.
Administration also reported facilities reviews (exterior lighting) and an effort to evaluate a single communications platform to streamline messaging between teachers, coaches and families. Board members asked for clear family notifications about the new kindergarten eligibility procedure and for continued updates on facilities proposals.
Next procedural steps: the district will finalize communications to families about kindergarten enrollment rules for the upcoming school year and confirm polling‑place logistics with county election officials.
