Regional committee adopts Option 3 calendar after heated debate over religious observances

The Northborough–Southborough regional school committee voted to adopt Calendar Option 3 for the 2026–27 school year after a lengthy discussion and public comment on Dec. 3.

Superintendent Greg Martineau presented four draft calendars and recommended either Option 3 or 4, saying, “In my recommendation, you know, I support either calendar 3 or 4” as the best balance between instructional continuity and scheduling constraints. The options differ mainly in start dates, end dates and the placement of professional-development days; Options 3 and 4 both target a June 17 end and place some PD days on days that coincide with religious observances so the district can rotate observances over time.

The decision followed public comment from residents who offered opposing views. Amanda Gebo, who identified herself as a Northborough resident, urged removing religious holidays from district calendars and said she had submitted “a petition that has been signed by 153 individuals” arguing that omitting school holidays for religious observances would better support working parents and learning continuity. By contrast, Mitch Cohen, another Northborough resident, thanked the committee for retaining expanded observances and urged continuation of the current practice.

Regional members debated equity, teacher attendance at PD, and operational effects such as shared transportation. After discussion, the regional committee passed a motion to adopt Option 3 by roll call. Southborough later voted to approve Option 3 (4–1). Northborough conducted a partial vote but deferred a final vote until a full committee quorum can participate; the chair said the Northborough committee will revote at a January meeting or call a special meeting when all members can attend.

Committee members said the calendars aim to strike a balance between inclusive observances and the operational need to provide consistent instruction. Several members asked administration to develop measurable benchmarks to assess the calendar's impact on student learning and family disruption if the new schedule is piloted for multiple years.

The regional committee noted that teachers may use contractual provisions to take religious-observance days when PD falls on an observance; administration said it will explore ways to rotate PD content so educators who must miss a session can access equivalent training later.

The committees said they will continue outreach with staff and families and track key metrics should the calendar be implemented for multiple years.