Racine Unified board delays vote on 2026–27 calendar after community raises concerns

The Racine Unified School District Board of Education voted on Monday to remove a proposed 2026–27 district calendar from the business meeting agenda and defer final action to a February work session. Board Member Missus Barbian moved to amend the agenda and postpone the calendar item; Mister Coe seconded and the motion passed 7–0.

The decision came before the public-comment period but echoed concerns raised by several community members during the meeting, who said the calendar process lacked transparency and could disrupt families and special-education students. Anna Gleason, a teacher and Park High parent, said staff and parents felt “blindsided” by a proposed schedule that included weekly early releases and asked the board for clearer communication and follow-up before any vote. Kim Anderson, speaking for the Racine Community Coalition for Public Education, warned that one weekly early release would disrupt routines for students who rely on consistent schedules and could impose additional child-care costs on families already on wait lists for extended-learning programs.

Marlo Harmon, a lifelong Racine resident and RUSD graduate, used the public-comment period to press the board on outcomes for Black students and urged the board to work with families and elected officials rather than directing funding outside the district. Laura Ostrowski, a teacher and parent, urged the board to include stakeholders in calendar decisions and recommended deeper engagement than a single survey before voting.

Board members who backed postponing the calendar said the delay would allow time for additional discussion at the work session in February and further review of logistics raised by commenters, including busing, after-school activities, and impacts on hourly staff. The board chair confirmed the calendar item would return to the board’s agenda and be the subject of further discussion at the February work session.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to amend agenda and postpone the 2026–27 district calendar: moved by Missus Barbian, second by Mister Coe; result: approved, 7–0 (SEG 044–079). - Revised agenda approval: approved, 7–0 (SEG 081–108). - Board consent agenda: approved, 7–0 (SEG 1799–1828). - Superintendent consent agenda: approved, 7–0 (SEG 1830–1856). - Open-enrollment space designation for 2026–27: approved, 7–0 (SEG 1859–1906). - Modifications to Operational Expectations 7 (asset protection): approved, 7–0 (SEG 1906–1953).

What’s next: The district will revisit the calendar at a February work session for more discussion before any final vote. Public commenters asked the board to ensure clear information is provided on busing implications, early-release timing, and supports for families and special-education students before the vote.