School committee asks staff for third 2026–27 calendar draft and parent outreach after late‑August start proposal

The school committee reviewed two draft calendars for 2026–27 and asked staff to prepare a third version after an email from a community member suggested teachers report Aug. 30/31 with students beginning Sept. 1. The packet originally included two options: Option A places teachers on Sept. 1 and students on Sept. 2 (to accommodate use of the cafeteria for state elections Sept. 1 and Nov. 3); Option B starts teachers Sept. 8. Committee members asked administration to draft an Option C showing teachers on Aug. 30/31 and students on Sept. 1 so the committee can review possible effects on the master schedule and June end dates.

Why it matters: Calendar start dates affect family planning (camp registration), staff professional‑development scheduling and potential contract requirements; starting before Sept. 1 may require a memorandum of agreement under the teachers’ contract.

What the committee requested: Staff were asked to prepare and circulate a third draft for review and to include the three options in the superintendent's newsletter so parents can provide feedback. Committee members also urged the calendar materials to list major religious observances; one member said, “We need to add Eid so people know when that is,” to help families plan around large religious observances.

Clarifications: Administrators noted there is not a single drop‑dead approval date but suggested a February vote would allow master‑schedule work for secondary buildings. The committee also asked staff to present the contract/MOA implications of starting before Sept. 1.

Next steps: Staff (Kathy) will prepare option C and distribute all three drafts to the committee; the committee asked that the superintendent include calendar options and a request for parent feedback in the next newsletter.